Journal of Chemical Ecology (1995) 21, 787-799

P.E.A. Teal, R.R. Heath, B.D. Dueben, J.A. Coffelt and K.W. Vick (1995)
Production and release of (Z,E)-9,12-tetradecadienal by sex pheromone glands of females of Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Journal of Chemical Ecology 21 (6), 787-799
Abstract: Extracts of sex pheromone glands obtained from females of Plodia interpunctella contained detectable amounts of (Z,E,)-9,12-tetradecadien-1-ol acetate (Z9,E12-14:Ac) and (Z,E.)-9,12-tetradecadien-1-ol (Z9,E12-14:OH) 4 hr prior to the first scotophase after adult emergence. The amount of pheromone increased during the first 4 hr of the scotophase and then declined to low levels during the subsequent photophase. Decapitation of females immediately after emergence, prior to expansion of the wings, inhibited production of pheromone during the subsequent 48 hr. Injection of extracts of the heads of 1-day-old females of P. interpunctella of partially purified extracts of the cephalic ganglia of females of the corn earworm moth into decapitated females stimulated production of both Z9,E12-14:Ac and Z9,E12-14:OH as well as production of (Z,E)-9,12-tetradecadienal (Z9,E12-14:Al). This aldehyde was subsequently identified from extracts of pheromone glands obtained from naturally calling females as well as from volatiles emitted by calling females. Studies on the terminal steps in biosynthesis of the pheromone showed that Z9,E12-14:OH was produced from the corresponding acetate and that Z9,E12-14:Al was produced from the alcohol via the action of an oxidase(s).
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Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
pheromones/attractants/traps

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Plodia interpunctella