Plusia

Abstract: The activity of TH 6040, a chitin synthesis inhibitor, was determined against velvetbean caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubner, and other soybean defoliators in field tests in Georgia, South Carolina, and Brazil. Single applications at rates as low as 75 g AI/ha afforded adequate initial and excellent residual control of A. gemmatalis and some suppression of low populations of Plusia spp. Two applications at higher rates gave significant control of soybean looper, Pseudoplusia includens (Walker), and showed promise against green cloverworm, Plathypena scabra (F.), and Mexican bean beetle, Epilachna varivestis Mulsant. Populations of geocorids and nabids were lower in 1 test, possibly because of insecticidal activity, scarcity of prey, or both.

Abstract: Des analyses moleculaires effectuees par le Reseau canadien pour les codes-barres genetiques ont d'abord revele des differences dans la sequence du gene mitochondrial du cytochrome c oxydase I (COI) chez certains specimens du genre Plusia Ochsenheimer. L'examen des couleurs et des marques sur les ailes ainsi que l'analyse des pieces genitales ont ensuite confirme la presence d'une nouvelle espece, typique des tourbieres a sphaignes, du genre Plusia dans l'Amerique du Nord, laquelle est ci-decrite.

Abstract: The sex pheromone glands ofPlusia chalcites release, dodecyl acetate, (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-dodecenyl acetate, 11-dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-8-tridecenyl acetate, and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate. A combination of capillary GC, GC-MS, and dimethyl disulfide derivatization enabled a rigorous identification of all these compounds, some of which were previously found in gland extracts. Bioassays in a flight tunnel showed that a ternary blend of (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-dodecenyl acetate, and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate elicited directed flights from 85 to 100% of the males tested and elicited copulation attempts, at the end of the flights, from 44 to 74% of the males tested. This blend was equal in activity to the natural gland extract. Addition of the other acetates had only a slight influence on the activity of this mixture. Substitution of either (Z)-9-dodecenyl acetate or (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate in this blend by 11-dodecenyl acetate gave two ternary mixtures which also elicited high levels of courtship activity, almost as high as that of the original blend. Addition of (Z)-7-dodecenyl alcohol inhibited almost totally the flight activity of males.