Sex pheromone of a conifer-feeding budworm, Choristoneura retiniana, Walsingham [Abies, Oregon, California]

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.