Multicomponent Sex Pheromone in Codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Attraction of codling moth males, Cydia pomonella (L.), to calling conspecific females, female gland extracts, and synthetic pheromone was studied in a wind tunnel. A dose-response test using a single source showed that female gland extracts attracted more males than codlemone, (E,E)-8,10-dodecadienol, alone. In choice tests, males preferred both calling females and gland extracts over synthetic codlemone. Calling females were as attractive as pheromone gland extracts, at a release rate of 100 pg codlemone/min. A 5-component blend of codlemone, its E,Z-isomer, (E)-9-dodecenol, dodecanol and tetradecanol was more attractive than codlemone in the wind tunnel. This study shows that other compounds, in addition to codlemone, are involved in sex: attraction of codling moth males. Control of codling moth by mating disruption with synthetic pheromone is close to a breakthrough, although the method is not efficient at high population densities. The finding that codling moth uses a multicomponent pheromone offers the opportunity to enhance the behavioral activity of current dispenser formulations.