Sex Pheromone Components and Control of the Citrus Pock Caterpillar, Prays endocarpa, Found in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam

Abstract

The citrus pock caterpillar, Prays endocarpa (Yponomeutidae; Praydinae), is a pest of pomelo (Citrus grandis L.) in Vietnam. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses of pheromone gland extracts from female moths identified three monoenyl compounds, (Z)-7-tetradecenal (Z7-14:Ald), (Z)-7-tetradecenyl acetate (tentatively identified, Z7-14:OAc), and (Z)-7-tetradecen-1-ol (Z7-14:OH), in a ratio of about 10:3:10. In the field, traps baited with synthetic Z7-14:Ald (0.5 mg) caught male P. endocarpa. The other two compounds, either alone or when added to Z7-14:Ald, did not elicit increases in trap catch (relative to the appropriate treatment). Synthetic Z7-14:Ald was used to monitor and control this species in pomelo orchards in Vinh Long Province. Monitoring revealed that adults were present throughout the year with discernible peaks in December, March, and April. A mass-trapping trial, using 20 traps in a 0.1 ha pomelo orchard, effectively suppressed fruit damage to levels similar to that achieved by an insecticide (Karate 2.5EC). Mating disruption trials, using polyethylene-tube dispensers, each filled with 80 mg of Z7-14:Ald at a rate of 200 or 400 dispensers/ha, also controlled damage by this pest to levels below that achieved by an insecticide treatment. This work demonstrates the potential for pheromone-based control of this pest in Vietnam.

Sex Pheromones of Two Leafminer Species, Antispila oinophylla and Holocacista rivillei (Lepidoptera: Heliozelidae) Infesting Grapevine in Italy

“…Z5–12:Ald, Z5–14:Ald and Z7–14:Ald have only been identified as sex pheromone components in Lepidoptera in a few cases. So far, Z5–14:Ald was only reported as a sex pheromone component in another heliozelid moth, the South African grapevine leafminer, H. capensis (Wang et al 2015 ), whereas Z7–14:Ald was reported as a pheromone component or sex attractant in the North American noctuid species Spaelotis clandestina (Harris) and Simyra henrici Grote (now a synonym of Acronicta insularis (Herrich-Schäffer)) (Steck et al 1982a , b ), in some species of Prays (Praydidae, Yponomeutoidea) (Campion et al 1979 ; Nesbitt et al 1977 ; Renou et al 1979 ; Vang et al 2011 ) and in the leafminer H. capensis (Wang et al 2015 ). In addition Z7–14:Ald was recorded as an attractant for the heliozelid Antispila treitschkiella (Fischer von Röslerstamm) (Tóth et al 1992 ).…”

Synthesis and Application of Pheromones for Integrated Pest Management in Vietnam

“…(23), (Z)-7-dodecen-1-yl acetate (24), (Z)-7-tetradecenol (25), (Z)-7tetradecen-1-yl acetate (26), (Z)-7-tetradecenal (27) Berger et al [71] isolated and identified (Z)-7-dodecen-1-yl acetate (24) as the male-produced pheromone of cabbage loopers, Trichoplusia ni Hubner, a destructive pest of peas and weed plants in Asia while the precursor of this pheromone, (Z)-7-dodecen-1-ol (23) was reported as an inhibitor of this sex pheromone by Tumlinson et al [72]. Vang et al [25] described the identification of three compounds, (Z)-7-tetradecenol (25), (Z)-7-tetradecen-1-yl acetate (26), and (Z)-7-tetradecenal (27) as the sex pheromone of the citrus pock caterpillar, Prays endocarpa. The compound 26 has also been found as sex pheromone of other species such as the citrus flower moth (P. citri and P. nephelomina) [73,74] and the olive moth (P. oleae Bern) [75,76].…”

“…The larvae attack and mine into the peel of the fruit which would either develop into tumours or even drop if the attack is in the early stage of development. Vang et al [25] reported the analysis of gas chromatography-mass (GC-MS) from pheromone gland extract of female moths finding three monoenyl-C 14 derivatives, 25-27 in a ratio of 10:3:10. Field data showed that the male moth was attracted by only aldehyde 27, while both other compounds were not attractive as well as no synergism with this aldehyde in the adult catches was found.…”