Isolation and Bioassay of the Sex Pheromone of the Red-Banded Leaf Roller, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)1

Abstract

A potent sex pheromone has been obtained from female red-banded leaf roller moths, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Active extracts were obtained with several solvents, although only methylene chloride and ethyl ether extracts elicit at least a 10% male response with 1×10⁻⁶ female equivalents. Bioassay tests conducted at various times of the day and with males of various ages held under continuous lighting showed the time for highest biological activity to be at 9 AM with 4- to 5-day-old males. A concentration response curve was constructed from tests conducted under the prescribed conditions. Functional group determinations indicate the active compound to be an acetate possessing at least 1 site of unsaturation.