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Behavioural role of individual components of a multichemical attractant system in the Oriental fruit moth

Abstract

IN most moths, location of the female for mating is mediated by pheromones1, which are operationally defined as attractants, although their ability to elicit upwind orientation has been demonstrated in only a few species2. Intrinsically unattractive chemicals which modify this process by increasing or decreasing trap catch have been termed synergists and inhibitors1, respectively, although their behavioural and neurophysiological roles have remained unresolved. In the Oriental fruit moth, Grapholitha molesta (Busck), cis-8-dodecenyl acetate (c8-12:Ac) is a primary pheromone component3 and recently the requirement for attractancy of an isomeric mixture containing about 8% trans (t8-12:Ac) was demonstrated4,5. Additionally, male trap catch has been reported to be enhanced about two fold by the simultaneous release of dodecyl alcohol (12:OH) (ref. 5). Specific behavioural functions, however, had not been ascribed to individual attractant components or combinations.

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References

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CARDE, R., BAKER, T. & ROELOFS, W. Behavioural role of individual components of a multichemical attractant system in the Oriental fruit moth. Nature 253, 348–349 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1038/253348a0

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