Sex Pheromone of the Alfalfa Plant Bug, Adelphocoris lineolatus: Pheromone Composition and Antagonistic Effect of 1-Hexanol (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Abstract The sex pheromone composition of alfalfa plant bugs, Adelphocoris lineolatus (Goeze), from Central Europe was investigated to test the hypothesis that insect species across a wide geographical area can vary in composition. Potential interactions between and known attractant, ( E )-cinnamaldehyde, were also assessed. Coupled gas chromatography-electroantennography (GC-EAG) using male antennae volatile extracts collected females, previously shown attract males field experiments, revealed presence three physiologically active compounds. These identified by coupled GC/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) peak enhancement as hexyl butyrate, )-2-hexenyl butyrate )-4-oxo-2-hexenal. A ternary blend these compounds 5.4:9.0:1.0 ratio attracted A. trials Hungary. Omission either )-2-hexenyl-butyrate or )-4-oxo-2-hexenal substitution )-2-hexenal resulted loss activity. results indicate this European population is similar reported for an East Asian population. Interestingly, another EAG-active compound, 1-hexanol, present female extract. When 1-hexanol tested combination with blend, catches reduced. This compound showed dose-response effect small doses showing strong behavioral effect, suggesting may act antagonist . Furthermore, when )-cinnamaldehyde pheromone, there no increase catch, but both females. Prospects practical application are discussed.