Field responses of Isoceras sibirica to synthetic blends of its sex pheromone

The carpenterworm, Isoceras sibirica Alpheraky (Lepidoptera Cossidae), is a destructive pest that affects Asparagus officinalis L. In an effort to develop a new and effective method for controlling the pest, the main components of its female sex pheromone were synthesized in the laboratory. We evaluated the effects of the following synthetic compounds, alone and in combination: (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9-14:Ac), (Z)-7-tetradecenyl acetate (Z7-14:Ac), and (Z)-9-hexadecadecenyl acetate (Z9-16:Ac). When provided alone, Z9-14:Ac was very attractive to I. sibirica males. Neither Z7-14:Ac nor Z9-14:Ac alone attracted any moths. Moth capture increased significantly when Z7-14:Ac was added to Z9-14:Ac. The optimum ratio of Z9-14:Ac to Z7-14:Ac was 500:400. Male moths were not attracted by Z9-16:Ac alone, and this compound did not affect the attractiveness of synthetic pheromone blends. The best field activity was obtained for lures baited with Z9-14:Ac and Z7-14:Ac (5:4 ratio) at a dose of 900 μg septum. The findings presented here could facilitate safer and more environmentally friendly management of I. sibirica.