A synthetic pheromone composition comprising 11,13 hexadecadienal and 3,6,9,12,15 tricosapentaene; further comprising 3,6,9,12,15 pentacosapentaene,11,13 hexadecadien-1-ol, ethyl 11,13 hexadecadienoate, 13 hexadecenal, ethylpalmitate 11,13 hexadecadienyl acetate and hexadecyl acetate; insect pest trap
Inventors
Kuenen, Lodewyk P. S. • Leal, Walter S. • Millar, Jocelyn G. • Pesak, Douglas J. • Parra Pedrazzoli, Ana Lia • Zalom, Frank G.
Assignees
University of California • Bedoukian Research Inc • US Department of Agriculture USDA • University of California San Diego UCSD
Publication Number
US-7655253-B2
Publication Date
2010-02-02
Expiration Date
2024-11-24
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Abstract
The present invention provides compounds useful for preparing synthetic pheromone compositions that can be used as attractants or inhibitors of insect species. The compositions are useful in the control of navel orangeworm or meal moth insect pests.
Core Innovation
The invention provides synthetic pheromone compositions comprising Z,Z-11,13-hexadecadienal and one or more compounds selected from (Z,Z,Z,Z,Z)-3,6,9,12,15-tricosapentaene, (Z,Z,Z,Z,Z)-3,6,9,12,15-pentacosapentaene, (Z,Z)-11,13-hexadecadienoate, and Z,Z-11,13-hexadecadien-1-ol. These compositions are useful as attractants or inhibitors of insect pests, particularly targeting species such as the navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella) and the meal moth (Pyralis farinalis). The compositions may further include other related compounds such as Z,E-11,13-hexadecadienal and ethyl palmitate among others.
The problem addressed by the invention stems from the incomplete identification of the full pheromone system of the navel orangeworm. Previously, the major pheromone constituent was identified as (Z,Z)-11,13-hexadecadienal, but conventional approaches failed to identify additional components necessary for optimal insect control. There was a need for novel compounds that enhance the efficacy of pheromone-based insect pest control and provide compositions that function both as attractants for target species and inhibitors or behavioral antagonists for non-target species like the meal moth.
The invention further includes insect pest traps comprising these synthetic pheromone compositions. The compositions can be formulated in various delivery systems such as rubber septa or disks and used in methods for attracting or inhibiting insect pests. The compositions have been tested in laboratory and field conditions demonstrating that blends comprising the identified compounds can attract male navel orangeworm moths as effectively as virgin females and can inhibit captures of the meal moth by including behavioral antagonists in the formulation.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one independent claim defining synthetically produced pheromone compositions with specific chemical components. The main inventive features relate to the combination of these compounds to provide effective pheromone blends.
Synthetic pheromone composition with two key components
A synthetic pheromone composition comprising Z,Z-11,13-hexadecadienal and (Z,Z,Z,Z,Z)-3,6,9,12,15-tricosapentaene.
Inclusion of additional polyunsaturated hydrocarbon
The composition further comprises (Z,Z,Z,Z,Z)-3,6,9,12,15-pentacosapentaene as an additional compound enhancing the activity of the pheromone blend.
Incorporation of alcohol component
The composition further comprises Z,Z-11,13-hexadecadien-1-ol enhancing the biological activity of the pheromone.
Addition of various related aldehydes, alcohols, and ester compounds
The composition further includes at least one member selected from Z,E-11,13-hexadecadienal, E,Z-11,13-hexadecadienal, Z-11-hexadecenal, hexadecanal, Z,E-11,13-hexadecadien-1-ol, Z-11-hexadecen-1-ol, and methyl hexadecanoate.
Use of ethyl ester derivative
The composition further comprises ethyl (Z,Z)-11,13-hexadecadienoate in combination with the main components.
Inclusion of minor pheromone components for enhanced activity
The composition further comprises ethyl palmitate and Z-13-hexadecenal as minor components increasing efficacy.
Incorporation of acetate esters as behavioral modifiers
The composition includes at least one member selected from (Z,Z)-11,13-hexadecadien-1-yl acetate and hexadecyl acetate which serve as behavioral antagonists to certain insect pests.
The claims cover synthetic pheromone compositions combining Z,Z-11,13-hexadecadienal with novel polyunsaturated hydrocarbons and other related compounds to provide attractive or inhibitory insect pest control compositions effective particularly against navel orangeworm and meal moth species.
Stated Advantages
The synthetic pheromone compositions attract male navel orangeworm moths as effectively as virgin females, enabling effective pest control.
Inclusion of (Z,Z)-11,13-hexadecadien-1-yl acetate acts as a behavioral antagonist that inhibits attraction of non-target insect pests like the meal moth, improving specificity.
The combination of multiple components in the compositions enhances male moth activation, upwind flight, and source contact compared to single component pheromones.
The compositions can be formulated in various delivery systems like rubber septa and disks, allowing versatility in application.
Documented Applications
Use of synthetic pheromone compositions as attractants or inhibitors for controlling navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella) and meal moth (Pyralis farinalis) insect pests.
Insect pest traps baited with the synthetic pheromone compositions for monitoring or controlling target moth populations in agricultural crops such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios.
Methods for attracting insect pests using traps comprising the synthetic pheromone compositions to improve capture and control effectiveness.
Potential use in mating disruption techniques where high concentrations of synthetic pheromones are released to prevent males from locating females, thereby reducing reproduction.
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