title: Improved preparation of (E)-β-farnesene and its activity with economically important aphids.
abstract: (E)-β-Farnesene, the major component of the alarm pheromone of many aphids, is prepared in 65% yield by passing commercial nerolidol through an evacuated column of alumina, treated with pyridine, at 200° C. The product is stored without air and applied to aphids as vapor at low speed (ca. 230 mm/sec) in air or nitrogen. The response of eight economically important aphid species was assessed in the laboratory; over 90% ofMyzus persicae responded in a large scale trial.
authors.affiliation: Rothamsted Experimental Station, AL5, 2JQ, Harpenden, Herts., UK.
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Dawson
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Griffiths
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Pickett
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Woodcock