Predicting the emergence of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), on a degree-day scale in North America.

Background: Codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is a major pest of apple, pear and walnut production in North America. Management programs are based on preventing larval entry into the fruit or nut and are typically timed by heat-driven models that are synchronized to field populations by first capture of overwintering moths in pheromone traps.

Synthesis and bioassay of racemic and chiral trans-alpha-necrodyl isobutyrate, the sex pheromone of the grape mealybug Pseudococcus maritimus.

A concise synthesis of the racemic form of the female-produced pheromone of the grape mealybug was developed. The synthesis was readily adapted to production of both enantiomers of the pheromone via lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolution of an intermediate in the synthesis. Replicated field trials revealed that, contrary to a preliminary report, the (R,R)- rather than the (S,S)-enantiomer is the attractive stereoisomer.

Development and optimization of methods for using sex pheromone for monitoring the mealybug Planococcus ficus (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) in California vineyards.

The sex pheromone of the vine mealybug Planococcus ficus Signoret has been identified as a single component, lavandulyl senecioate. Racemic lavandulyl senecioate was as attractive to male mealybugs as the insect-produced (S)-enantiomer, indicating that the unnatural enantiomer is not inhibitory. Lavandulol, which also was found in extracts from virgin females, antagonized attraction of males at higher doses.