Identification of Female Sex Pheromone of a Plant Bug, Polymerus pekinensis Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae)
Simple SummaryPlant bugs’ locating of mates mainly relies on peculiar chemical signals known as sex pheromones, which can be utilized to develop environmentally friendly pest control methods. This study investigated the sex pheromones ofPolymerus pekinensis, a phytophagous insect of alfalfa crops in East Asia. By analyzing chemical extracts from both male and female insects, we identified two antenna-active compounds: octyl acetate (OA) and decyl acetate (DA). Females produced higher amounts of OA, while males produced greater quantities of DA. Field experiments demonstrated that lures loaded with solely OA strongly attracted maleP. pekinensis, making it a valuable tool for monitoring this pest. However, the addition of DA in larger amounts significantly decreased the attractivity of lures. Our findings offer new strategies for monitoring and managing these insects in a manner that does not harm non-target insects.Insect sex pheromones have been widely used in integrated pest control due to their efficiency, non-toxicity, specificity, and environmental sustainability. They are considered a key component of green pest management techniques.Polymerus pekinensisis a phytophagous plant bug on alfalfa (Medicago sativaL.) in East Asia. This study used gas chromatography–electroantennogram detection (GC–EAD) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to analyze the whole-body extracts from male and femaleP. pekinensis. Octyl acetate (OA) and decyl acetate (DA) elicited the antennal response of males and were identified as the predominant components of female and male extracts, respectively. Subsequent field trials demonstrated that OA (>8 mg per lure) showed the strongest attraction to conspecific males. However, when DA was added in a lure (≥2 mg), a significant decline in captures occurred. These findings provide new insights into the understanding of sex pheromones in Miridae and benefit the development of sustainable management ofP. pekinensis.
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