Identification of the sex pheromone of the Chilean fruit leafroller, Proeulia auraria (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Abstract – The calling behavior of the Chilean fruit leafroller Proeulia auraria was studied by observing virgin females under natural light conditions. The majority of females initiated calling between 5 and 7 a.m. The stereotyped behavior includes activation of resting females, wing fanning, antennal movements, curving of the abdomen, and protrusion of the pheromone gland while lifting the wings. The biologically active compounds produced in the female sex pheromone gland were extracted with hexane and identified by means of gas chromatography (GC)-electroantennographic detection (EAD), GC-mass spectrometry, and comparison of analytical data of the natural compounds with those of authentic reference substances  as tetradecyl acetate (14Ac), (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (E11-14OAc), (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (Z11-14OAc), and (E)-11-tetradecenol (E11-14OH) in a relative ratio of 14:100:4:30. Field tests showed that all four compounds are behaviorally active. The most attractive blends contained the main compound E11-14OAc, 1% of the geometric isomer Z11-14OAc, and both of the other minor compounds in the natural proportion. Addition of 4% of Z11-14OAc resulted in inhibition of attraction.