Identification, synthesis, and field evaluation of components of the female‐produced sex pheromone of Helopeltis cinchonae (Hemiptera: Miridae), an emerging pest of tea

Background Helopeltis cinchonae (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a major pest of tea plantations in Asia. Conventional control of pests with pesticides is unsustainable. Therefore, safe and eco‐friendly alternatives, such as pheromones, are required to manage the pest. Results In gas chromatography–electroantennographic detection (GC–EAD) analysis of whole‐body extracts of virgin female H. cinchonae , two compounds elicited electroantennogram (EAG) responses from male antennae. These were identified as hexyl ( R )‐3‐acetoxybutyrate and ( R )‐1‐acetoxy‐5‐butyroxyhexane using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis compared to synthetic compounds. This is the first study to report 1‐acetoxy‐5‐butyroxyhexane as an insect pheromone component. The synthetic compounds elicited dose‐dependent EAG responses from the antennae of male H. cinchonae . In two field trapping experiments, the individual compounds were highly attractive to male H. cinchonae when dispensed from polyethylene vials. However, higher catches were obtained with blends of the two compounds in a 1:10 ratio. The blend of racemic compounds was as attractive as the blend of ( R )‐enantiomers. Conclusions We reported that 1‐acetoxy‐5‐butyroxyhexane and hexyl 3‐acetoxybutyrate are components of the female‐produced sex pheromone of H. cinchonae , but further work is required on the blend and loading of pheromone and on trap design to provide an optimized system for monitoring and control of this pest. The results may also facilitate the identification of the pheromones of other Helopeltis species, which are major pests in many crops.