Abstract
In order to assess the possible function of pulsed release of windborne pheromones, calculations were performed to predict the concentration pattern downwind of the source. Two patterns of pulsed releases (sinusoidal and instantaneous) were compared to a constant release pattern. In all three cases, the average rate of release was the same. Assuming the receiving animal needs only a momentary exposure to concentrations above threshold to respond, it is clear that sinusoidal release has a greater distance of detection than constant release and that instantaneous release is even better. The relative magnitude of the increase in range of detection depends on the ratio of average release rate to threshold concentration. Pulsed releases have a greater advantage when the threshold is high and the range of attraction is inherently short. Under these conditions, sinusoidal release can double the range of attraction and instantaneous release can increase it 10-fold. In contrast, with a low threshold and consequent long range of attraction, the pulsed patterns are lost and the increase in range is insignificant. Several testable predictions are derived from the hypothesis that the primary function of pulsed release is to extend the range and time over which a given quantity of pheromone can act.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Aylor, D.E., Parlance, J.-Y., andGranett, J. 1976. Turbulent dispersion of disparlure in the forest and male gypsy moth response.Environ. Entomol. 5:1026–1032.
Baker, T.C., Willis, M.A., Haynes, K.F., andPhelan, P.L. 1985. A pulsed pheromone elicits upwind flight in male moths.Physiol. Entomol. 10:257–265.
Bossert, W.H. 1968. Temporal patterning in olfactory communication.J. Theor. Biol. 18:157–170.
Cardé, R.T., Dindonis, L.L., Agar, B., andFoss, J. 1984. Apparency of pulsed and continuous pheromone to male gypsy moths.J. Chem. Ecol. 10:335–348.
Conner, W.E. 1985. Temporally patterned chemical communication: is it feasible? pp. 287–301, P.H. Klopfer and P.P.G. Bateson (eds.).in Perspectives in Ethology, Vol. 6, Mechanisms. Plenum Press, New York.
Conner, W.E., Eisner, T., Vander Meer, R.K., Guerrero, A., Ghiringelli, D., andMeinwald, J. 1980. Sex attractant of an arctiid moth (Utethesia ornatrix): a pulsed chemical signal.Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol. 7:55–63.
Conner, W.E., Webster, R.P., andItagaki, H. 1985. Calling behaviour in arctiid moths: The effects of temperature and wind speed on the rhythmic exposure of the sex attractant gland.J. Insect Physiol. 31:815–820.
Crank, J. 1975. The Mathematics of Diffusion. Clarendon Press, Oxford.
Dusenbery, D.B. 1988. Avoided temperature leads to the surface: computer modeling of slime mold and nematode thermotaxis.Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol. 22:219–223.
Elkinton, J.S., Cardé, R.T., andMason, C.J. 1984. Evaluation of time-average dispersion models for estimating pheromone concentration in a deciduous forest.J. Chem. Ecol. 10:1081–1108.
Jones, C.D. 1977. Ion concentration variations at short distances downwind of continuous and quasi-instantaneous point sources.Pestic. Sci. 8:84–95.
Murlis, J. 1986. The structure of odour plumes, pp. 27–38,in T.L. Payne, M.C. Birch, and C.E.J. Kennedy (eds.). Mechanisms in Insect Olfaction. Clarendon, Oxford.
Roberts, O.F.T. 1923. The theoretical scattering of smoke in a turbulent atmosphere.Proc. R. Soc. London, Ser. A 104:640–654.
Robertson, A., andDrage, D.J. 1975. Stimulation of late interphaseDictyostelium discoideum amoebae with an external cyclic AMP signal.Biophys. J. 15:765–775.
Schal, C., andCardé, R.T. 1985. Rhythmic extrusion of pheromone gland elevates pheromone release rate.Experientia 41:1617–1619.
Storebo, P.B., Bjorvatten, T., Honnåshagen, K., Lillegraven, A., Jones, C.D., andVan Buutenen, C.J.P. 1983. Tracer experiments with turbulently dispersed air ions.Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 26:127–139.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Dusenbery, D.B. Calculated effect of pulsed pheromone release on range of attraction. J Chem Ecol 15, 971–977 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01015192
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01015192