Identification, synthesis and activity of sex pheromone gland components of the autumn gum moth (Lepidoptera : Geometridae), a defoliator of Eucalyptus

Steinbauer, MJ; Ostrand, F; Bellas, TE; Nilsson, A; Andersson, F; Hedenstrom, E; Lacey, MJ; Schiestl, FP

HERO ID

4936329

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2004

HERO ID 4936329
In Press No
Year 2004
Title Identification, synthesis and activity of sex pheromone gland components of the autumn gum moth (Lepidoptera : Geometridae), a defoliator of Eucalyptus
Authors Steinbauer, MJ; Ostrand, F; Bellas, TE; Nilsson, A; Andersson, F; Hedenstrom, E; Lacey, MJ; Schiestl, FP
Journal Chemoecology
Volume 14
Issue 3-4
Page Numbers 217-223
Abstract The autumn gum moth, Mnesampela privata (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), is native to Australia and can be a pest of plantation eucalypts. Field-collected and laboratory-reared female autumn gum moths were dissected to remove glands likely to contain components of the sex pheromone. Using gas chromatography (GC) and combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), three compounds were identified from female extracts, namely (3Z,6Z,9Z)-3,6,9-nonadecatriene, 1-hexadecanol and 1-octadecanol (confirmed by comparison with synthetic samples). Nonadecatriene elicited an antennal response in male autumn gum moth during gas chromatographic analyses combined with electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD). In electroantennogram (EAG) recording male M. privata antennae responded to the nonadecatriene. Nonadecatriene was synthesised via Kolbe electrolysis, starting with (9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoic acid (linolenic acid) and propanoic acid or via an alternative four-step method also starting from linolenic acid. In field trials (3Z,6Z,9Z)-3,6,9-nonadecatriene proved attractive to male moths. Thus, we conclude that (3Z,6Z,9Z)-3,6,9-nonadecatriene is a sex pheromone component of autumn gum moth. This component has been identified in extracts from other geometrids in the same subfamily, Ennominae. However, to our knowledge this is the first example where (3Z,6Z,9Z)-3,6,9-nonadecatriene has been found in females and also proved attractive to male moths when presented on its own. Our results are discussed in relation to other geometrid pheromones.
Doi 10.1007/s00049-004-0281-5
Wosid WOS:000224526000011
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Keyword (3Z,6Z,9Z)-3,6,9-nonadecatriene; gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; GC-EAD; EAG; synthesis