Field trapping of diamondback mothPlutella xylostella using an improved four-component sex attractant blend.

In addition to three known sex lure components [(Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-11-hexadecenal, and (Z)-11-hexadecenol], (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate was field-proven as a trace coattractant for malePlutella xylostella, with an optimal content below 0.01% in blends. This potent four-component lure for diamondback males also attractedCrymodes devastator males, and in this respect is not different in its attractancy from virgin diamondback females. Replacement of (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate in the four component lure with (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-ol, at the level of 10% of the total lure mixture, did not alter its attractancy for diamondback males, but it did inhibit attraction ofCrymodes devastator. The status of biologically active components as possible sex pheromones or para-pheromones is discussed.