Journal of Pest Science (2020) 93, 519-529

Anat Levi-Zada, Daniela Fefer, Reut Madar, Sara Steiner and Roy Kaspi (2020)
Evaluation of pheromone of false codling moth Thaumatotibia leucotreta in Israel by sequential SPME/GCMS analysis and field trials
Journal of Pest Science 93 (1), 519-529
Abstract: The false codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is an indigenous pest of citrus and other crops in sub-Saharan areas of Africa. The pest was first recorded in Israel in the 1980s and has remained at low population levels although extending its geographic range. The pest is difficult to detect without pheromone traps, but published information is conflicting about the optimal blend for male capture. In the present work, we used the SSGA method of sequential solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, in which the usual circadian pattern of pheromone release by insects is revealed and characterized. The SSGA method enabled the identification of 11 components that are emitted by female FCM specifically during the "calling" time which coincides with maximum pheromone emission. In addition, pheromone glands of 362 females of different ages in days after eclosion were dissected at the time of day when maximum pheromone emission occurs (SSGA results) in order to obtain the nanogram amounts of pheromone components necessary for identification and quantification. The component mixtures were tested using a subtraction method in both electroantennograms and field trials. The crucial pheromone components for optimal baits are E8-12:Ac and Z8-12:Ac in a ratio of 9:1. Our results suggest that a 1 mg blend of this pheromone inside a closed polyethylene vial, within an IPS trap placed as high as possible in the fruit tree, is suitable for monitoring.
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Link to article at publishers website

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
pheromones/attractants/traps
surveys/sampling/distribution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Thaumatotibia leucotreta		Israel