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Squash leaf glandular trichome volatiles: Identification and influence on behavior of female pickleworm moth [Diaphania nitidalis (Stoll.)] (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

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Abstract

Fourteen volatile compounds occurring in leaf trichomes of yellow squash (Cucurbita pepo L. cv. Early Prolific Straightneck) were identified. These compounds accounted for 83.5% of the volatile matrix. Ubiquitous constituents of the epidermis (myristic, palmitic, and stearic acids,n-tricosane, andn-pentacosane) accounted for 73.7%; these compounds were not bioassayed. The volatileso-,m-, andp-xylene, toluene, 2-heptanone, (R)-(+)- and (S)-(−)-limonene, and germacrene D were tested for their influence on attraction and oviposition by the pickleworm moth (Diaphania nitidalis Stoll.). No single compound, except germacrene D, was attractive. (R)-(+)-Limonene and 2-heptanone were weakly repellent. Mixtures of the highly volatile fractions were as attractive as volatiles emanating from whole, intact leaves. Oviposition levels on treated artificial sites corresponded with levels of visitation. Oviposition was significantly stimulated by “whole-leaf” volatiles, and (S)-(−)-limonene caused a slight but significant reduction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. USDA, ARS U.S. Vegetable Laboratory, 2875 Savannah Highway, 29414-5334, Charleston, South Carolina

    Joseph K. Peterson & Kent D. Elsey

  2. Food Quality Evaluation Research, Russell Agricultural Research Center, College Station Rd., P.O. Box 5677, 30613, Athens, Georgia

    Robert J. Horvat

Authors
  1. Joseph K. Peterson
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  2. Robert J. Horvat
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  3. Kent D. Elsey
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Mention of a trade name or proprietary product does not constitute a warranty or guarantee by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nor does it imply exclusion of other products that may also be suitable.

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Peterson, J.K., Horvat, R.J. & Elsey, K.D. Squash leaf glandular trichome volatiles: Identification and influence on behavior of female pickleworm moth [Diaphania nitidalis (Stoll.)] (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). J Chem Ecol 20, 2099–2109 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02066246

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02066246

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