Investigation of sex pheromone components of female asian corn borer,Ostrinia furnacalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Taiwan.

(E)-12-Tetradecenyl acetate (E12-14∶OAc), (Z)-12-tetradecenyl acetate (Z12-143nOAc), and tetradecanyl acetate (14∶OAc) were extracted and identified as major chemical components from female tips of the Asian corn borer,Ostrinia furnacalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Taiwan, with a combined wash ratio of 48∶37∶15 and an individual female ratio of 45∶39∶16. The average amount ofE12-,Z12-14∶OAc and 14∶OAc in each female gland was 6.6±4.6, 5.8±3.5, and 2.4±1.7 ng/female, respectively. The mixture of these three synthetic chemicals not only gave strong activities in male antennae but also could catch significantly more males than virgin females in field-trapping tests. The field test also showed no significant difference in trapping ability among the three-component Taiwan formulations, the two-component Taiwan formulation (Z12-14∶OAc andZ1214∶OAc, 53∶47), and the Japan formulation (Z12-14∶ OAc andE 12-14∶OAc, 3:2).