α-Farnesene, a natural attractant for codling moth larvae

Abstract

THE skin of the apple cultivar 'Sturmer Pippin' contains one or more chloroform-soluble volatile substances which are highly attractive to newly hatched codling moth (Laspeyresia pomonella) larvae1 . There is now evidence that the factor inducing this olfactory response is the acyclic sesquiterpene α-farnesene (Fig. 1), a compound present in the natural coating of 'Sturmer' as well as several other apple and pear varieties 2-4. This hydrocarbon has also been isolated from the Dufour's gland of at least two5,6 and possibly more7 species of ant and Blum8 has speculated that it may have a role as a pheromone in these insects. © 1972 Nature Publishing Group.