Pheromones and kairomones for control of pest insects. Some current results from a Swedish research program

Abstract

Some recent results from a research program dealing with the isolation, identification, and synthesis of biologically active compounds for applications in agriculture and forestry will be reported. The solid-phase micro extraction (SPME) technique has been successfully used for identification of the main sex pheromone components of Cydia and Bonagota species (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae). Synthesis of a series of dodecadienols, tetradecadienols, and their corresponding aldehydes and acetates have been performed to be used for testing inhibitory and synergistic effects on pest insects of these species. Behaviorally active volatile compounds emitted from aphids and aphid-infested plants have been identified by SPME-technique, synthesized, and used in olfactometer tests. Methyl salicylate is shown to act in interplant communication released by plants infested by insects. In the presence of the compound, the colonization density of aphids in crop is reduced. Methyl salicylate is a common multifunctional compound, which is active in several biological systems. The action of this compound as an anti-aphrodisiac will be presented. The compound is transferred at mating from the male pierid butterfly Pieris napi to the female and makes the female unattractive for mating.