Nonanal is present in the volatile compounds of host plants (such as Salix babylonica) of pests like the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis). It has also been identified as a minor component (3% of the main component, Z9-14:OAc) in the sex pheromone glands of female fall armyworm moths (Spodoptera frugiperda). In application, nonanal often synergizes with other pheromone components. For example, when mixed with Z-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9-14:OAc) and (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate, it can double the field trapping of male fall armyworms and increase the trapping efficiency of commercial lures by 53-135%.