Lonne L. Sower

Sex pheromone of a conifer-feeding budworm,Choristoneura retiniana, Walsingham

Sex pheromone components collected from femaleChristoneura retiniana included 11-tetradecenyl acetates and alcohols. The major component wasE-11-tetradecenyl acetate (E11–14∶Ac) with a lesser amount ofZ isomer necessary to induce male response. A 92∶8 ratio ofE,Z11–14∶ Ac appeared optimal. The alcohol component was present at about 10% of the total pheromone mixture, and traps baited with acetates plus alcohol surpassed unmated females in their degree of attractiveness. Chemical analysis indicated a 9∶:1 ratio of theE — Z isomers of 11-tetradecenyl alcohol (11–14∶ol) pheromone components, although bait formulations containing a predominance of either theE orZ isomers were equally successful in field bioassays. Based on male response to traps,E- andZ11–14∶Ac (92∶8E — Z) are essential pheromone components for long-range sex attraction. The 11–14∶ ol enhanced attraction when added at 10% of the total pheromone blend.

Control of Moth Pests by Mating Disruption in Forests of the Western United States

A specific objective of our project at the Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station in Corvallis, OR is to determine whether mating disruption is a promising approach to control selected forest pests and to develop methods and materials for practical use. Disruption efforts have been directed mainly toward control of the Douglas-fir tussock moth, Orgyia pseudotsugata (McDunnough), the western pine shoot borer moth, Eucosma sonomana Kearfott, and the western spruce budworm, Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman. Preliminary work has also been done with the European pine shoot moth, Rhyacionia buoliana (Schiffermuller), (Daterman et al., 1975). Results with the spruce budworm are still tentative. Pheromone will substantially reduce reproduction by the Douglas-fir tussock moth and further tests are planned. Western pine shoot borer damage can be controlled with pheromone.