›› 2007, Vol. 50 ›› Issue (4): 335-342.

• RESEARCH PAPERS • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Adult behavior and circadian rhythm of sex pheromone production and release of the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

LU Peng-Fei, QIAO Hai-Li, WANG Xiao-Ping, ZHOU Xing-Miao, WANG Xi-Qiao, LEI Chao-Liang   

  1. (Institute of Insect Resources, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China)
  • Online:2007-05-22 Published:2007-08-20
  • Contact: LEI Chao-Liang

Abstract:

The legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius), is a serious pantropical insect pest of grain legumes. Adult behavior and circadian rhythm of sex pheromone production and release of  the legume pod borer were investigated at (29±1)℃ and 75%-80% RH under 14L∶10D. The results showed that the emergence activity of M. vitrata occurred throughout the day, and 86% of females and 73% of males emerged during the scotophase. The differences of emergence behavior between both sexes were statistically significant during the 4th, 5th and 8th hour of the scotophase (t>4; P<0.05). The mating behavior took place from 19: 00 to 05: 00.The mating duration varied from 20 to 90 min. The highest mating frequency occurred during the 5th hour of the scotophase for 3-day-old moths. Single mating peaks were observed for 1-, 6-and 7-day-old moths, while double mating peaks were observed for 2-to 5-day-old moths. Adults of the same age spent longer time in mating during the first half of the scotophase than during the second half of the scotophase. The mating behaviour of the moth was age-dependent. Young and old pairs spent more time in mating than mature pairs of the middle age. Advanced onset of time and peak for mating were observed directly by older moths. The EAG response of male moths was highest to the crude extract of pheromonal glands and air collection from 3-day-old virgin female moths and during the 5th and 9th hour of the scotophase. In the field tests, the highest percentage of the male moths was trapped during 23: 00-01: 00, and more male moths were trapped by 3-day-old virgin female moths than by female moths of other age. The emergence activity, mating activity and the female sex pheromone release were synchronized at different ages and time of the scotophase. The sex pheromone release was almost constant throughout the scotophase, but mating behavior concentrated between the two mating peaks.

Key words: Maruca vitrata, emergence, mating, sex pheromone, rhythm, EAG response, moth trapping