Evaluation and optimization of the synthetic pheromone blends of the citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) in the field

The prevention and control of the citrus leafminers Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) currently relies on chemical pesticides, and shows a lack of effective forecasting techniques. Sex pheromone components Z7, Z11, E13-hexadecatrienal (Z7, Z11, E13-16Ald), Z7, Z11 -hexadecadienal (Z7,Z11-16Ald) and Z7-hexadecenal (Z7-16Ald) from P. citrella were synthesized and tested for their attractiveness to male moths in citrus orchards in Ningbo, Zhejiang, China during the period of June 30 to October 6, 2009. The results showed that Z7, Z11, E13-16Ald attracted male moths strongly, but neither Z7, Z11-16Ald nor Z7-16Ald trapped a significant number of male moths. The optimal ratio of binary blends of Z7, Z11, E13-16Ald and Z7, Z11-16Ald was between 30: 1 and 3: 1, and the binary blends at the ratio of 30: 1 trapped the highest number of males. The highest dosage for catching males was 1 mg pheromone blend formulated with the mixture of Z7, Z11, E13-16Ald and Z7, Z11-16Ald at the ratio of 3: 1. The tr