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J Chem Ecol

Title:		Calculated effect of pulsed pheromone release on range of attraction
Author(s):		Dusenbery DB;
Address:		"School of Applied Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, 30332, Atlanta, Georgia"
Journal Title:		J Chem Ecol
Year:		1989
Volume:		15
Issue:		3
Page Number:		971 - 977
DOI:		10.1007/BF01015192
ISSN/ISBN:		0098-0331 (Print) 0098-0331 (Linking)
Abstract:		"In order to assess the possible function of pulsed release of windborne pheromones, calculations were performed to predict the concentration pattern downwind of the source. Two patterns of pulsed releases (sinusoidal and instantaneous) were compared to a constant release pattern. In all three cases, the average rate of release was the same. Assuming the receiving animal needs only a momentary exposure to concentrations above threshold to respond, it is clear that sinusoidal release has a greater distance of detection than constant release and that instantaneous release is even better. The relative magnitude of the increase in range of detection depends on the ratio of average release rate to threshold concentration. Pulsed releases have a greater advantage when the threshold is high and the range of attraction is inherently short. Under these conditions, sinusoidal release can double the range of attraction and instantaneous release can increase it 10-fold. In contrast, with a low threshold and consequent long range of attraction, the pulsed patterns are lost and the increase in range is insignificant. Several testable predictions are derived from the hypothesis that the primary function of pulsed release is to extend the range and time over which a given quantity of pheromone can act"
Keywords:
Notes:		"PubMed-not-MEDLINEDusenbery, D B eng 1989/03/01 J Chem Ecol. 1989 Mar; 15(3):971-7. doi: 10.1007/BF01015192"