Development of a bioluminescence assay for aldehyde pheromones of insects : II. Analysis of pheromone glands.

Pheromone levels in the glands of individual female moths of the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana), the western spruce budworm (C. occidentalis), the navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella), and the corn earworm (Heliothis zea) were quantitively measured by means of a new bacterial bioluminescence assay specific for aldehydes. The sensitivity and rapidity of the bioluminescent assay enabled studies to be conducted on the dependence of the pheromone levels in the spruce budworm on age and the effect of photoperiod on the pheromone levels in the corn earworm. The bioluminescence assay provides a rapid and sensitive approach for studying aldehyde pheromone levels and their regulation in insects.