1980 Fall Armyworm Symposium: Pheromones: Potential for Use in Monitoring and Managing Populations of the Fall Armyworm

Abstract

Four closely related pheromone compounds have been identified from virgin female fall armyworms, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith). Of these, (Z)-9-dodecen-1-ol acetate [(Z)-9-DDA], when used in conjunction with electric grid traps, has proved the most effective and economical for monitoring male populations. Attempts to disrupt mating via air permeation of pheromones or phermone mimics have been encouraging or not, depending on the evaluation method used. (Z)-9,(E)-12-tetradecadien-1-ol acetate caused significant reductions in the catch of males responding to traps containing (Z)-9-DDA or virgin females in the treated areas. (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-ol acetate and (Z)-9-DDA have not significantly decreased mating of fall armyworms in 30 ft x 100 ft screened cages. The potential use of pheromones for population management of fall armyworms will be decided only when their effect on in-field mating is determined over large acreages where low pest populations are relatively isolated from migrating masses of insects.