Aggregation pheromone of palmetto weevil,Rhynchophorus cruentatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).
5-Methyl-4-octanol is the major aggregation pheromone of the palmetto weevil,Rhynchophorus cruentatus (F.). The pheromone (cruentol) was identified by coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic (GC-EAD) analysis of male-produced volatiles, coupled GC-mass spectrometry (MS) in electron impact and chemical ionization mode, and coupled GC-high resolution MS. In laboratory and field assays, a diastereomeric mixture of synthetic cruentol greatly enhanced attraction of weevils to cabbage palmetto,Sabal palmetto (Walter), stem tissue, indicating that cruentol and host volatiles are synergistically attractive. An attractive lure in combination with efficient traps should facilitate development of semiochemical-based management forR. cruentatus.
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 3205 College Ave., 33314, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
T J
TJ
Weissling
R M
RM
Giblin-Davis
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G
Gries
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R
Gries
A L
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Perez
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HD
Pierce
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Oehlschlager