Acta Phytopathologica et Entomologica Hungarica (2007) 42, 331-341

Z. Kárpáti, B. Molnár and G. Szocs (2007)
Pheromone titer and mating frequency of E-and Z-strains of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis : Fluctuation during scotophase and age dependence
Acta Phytopathologica et Entomologica Hungarica 42 (2), 331-341
Abstract: Periodicity of pheromone titer in female moths, modulated by various factors (age, photoperiod, temperature), has been reported for a number species, however, comparative studies on pheromone strains of those species where pheromone polymorphism is known to occur has so far scarcely been studied.In this study, the rhythm and age dependence of calling behavior as well as of the titer of the respective main sex pheromone components, and timing and frequency of mating within E-and Z-strains of European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn. (Lepidoptera: Pyraustidae) were compared during scotophase, under laboratory conditions (18/6 hours photoregime, 26 °C).Very similar trends were fund in both strains in the diel fluctuation of both calling behavior and pheromone titer within the scotophase, as well as its age dependence, and also in timing and mating frequency. The titer of the respective main pheromone component gradually increased during the scotophase. Highest titers were found in freshly emerged females, however even 6-day-old females produced roughly half amounts. Freshly emerged females of both strains were ready to mate with males of their own strain, however, the percentage of matings were higher in 1-3-day-old age cohorts. Differences between strains was found in the total amount of the respective main pheromone components in the gland. The average amount of ( Z )11-tetradecenyl acetate extracted from the ovipositor of Z-strain females 10 min. before the end of the scotophase was 2.17 ng / female equivalent, whereas the corresponding value of ( E )11-tetradecenyl acetate for E-strain females was 8.25 ng / female equivalent. Moreover, E-strain females tended to start calling somewhat earlier, and the percentages of calling females was higher during the peak calling period than that of the Z-strain. Significance of these findings in characterizing the strains are discussed.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
(original language: English)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Gábor Szöcs, Béla Péter Molnár, Zsolt Kárpáti

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
pheromones/attractants/traps
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Ostrinia nubilalis