The old subvariety ofJ 0(pq) and the Eisenstein kernel in Jacobians

Whenp, q are distinct odd primes, and γ:J ₀(p)²×J ₀(q)²→J ₀(pq) is the natural map defined by the degeneracy maps, Ribet 10] determined the odd part of the kernel of γ. We study the 2-primary part of this kernel through its intersection with the Eisenstein kernelJ ₀(p)I _p )²×J ₀(q)I _q ]². We determine this intersection forp≢1 mod 16,q≢1 mod 16, and also produce new elements of ker γ wheneverp≡9 mod 16 orq≡9 mod 16. These sharpen Ribet's results in 10].