Identification and activity evaluation of the sex pheromone of <i>Argyrogramma agnata</i> Staudinger in China

Abstract Studying the polymorphism of insect pheromones can inform effective local pest management strategies. The sex pheromones of Argyrogramma agnata Staudinger, a significant polyphagous migratory pest, have not been previously reported. In this study, two components, Z 7‐12:Ac and Z 9‐12:Ac, were identified from the gland extracts of A . agnata females using gas chromatography‐electroantennographic detection and gas chromatography coupled with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Males exhibited a strong electroantennographic response to both components with a clear dose–response relationship. Field trials demonstrated that males were effectively attracted to an 8:3 ratio of Z 7‐12:Ac and Z 9‐12:Ac at a dose of 1100 μg. Lures equipped with box traps captured significantly more males than those with uni traps, delta traps, or wing traps. These findings elucidate the sex pheromone components of the A . agnata population and optimize their field application, providing valuable guidance for the integrated pest management of A . agnata in China.