1Deparment of Chemistry, Government Science College, Bangalore560001, Karnataka, India
2Department of Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur584104, Karnataka, India
3ICAR- National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bellary Road, Bangalore560024, Karnataka, India
*Email: prashanthdec3@gmail.com (corresponding author)
Gas chromatogram analysis of Spodopterafrugiperda female gland extracts identified three pheromone compounds: (Z)-9-tetradecenylacetate (Z-9-14-OAc), (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate (Z-7-12-OAc), and (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (Z-11-16-OAc). Based on these findings, six pheromone blends were formulated and tested using electroantennography (EAG) across different geographic populations. The Karnataka population exhibited maximum EAG response to a binary blend of Z-9-14-OAc and Z-7-12-OAc (98:2), while Gujarat and Tamil Nadu populations responded optimally to a ternary blend of Z-9-14, Z-11-16-OAc, and Z-7-12-OAc (87:12.5:0.5). The Karnataka population demonstrated substantial EAG response even in the absence of Z-11-16-OAc. Increasing the concentration of Z7-12: OAc resulted in progressively diminished male antennal response across all populations. These findings highlight the importance of geographic variation in pheromone perception and provide critical insights for developing region-specific monitoring and management strategies for this economically significant pest in India.
Spodoptera frugiperda, fall army worm, geographic variation, pest management, electroantennogram, maize, sex pheromone, Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, gland extraction, GC-MS/MS, antennal response, blends
