Biotransformation of Geraniol by the Larvae of Common Cutworm (Spodoptera litura)

Abstract

Biotransformation of geraniol by the common cutworm (Spodoptera litura) larvae was investigated. Geraniol was mixed in an artificial diet, and the diet was fed to the larvae (fourth-fifth instar) of S. litura. Geraniol was transformed to 8-hydroxygeraniol, 9-hydroxygeraniol, (2E, 6E)-8-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienoic acid, (2,E,6,E)-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene-1,8-dioic acid and (2E,6Z)-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene-1,9-dioic acid. Geraniol was preferentially oxidized at the allylic methyl group and primary alcohol by S. litura larvae. © 2006, Japan Oil Chemists' Society. All rights reserved.