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Identification and electrophysiological activity of a novel hydroxy ketone emitted by male cereal leaf beetles
Allard A Cossé1, Robert J Bartelt, Bruce W Zilkowski
1USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Crop Bioprotection Research, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, Illinois 61604, USA. cosseaa@ncaur.usda.gov
Abstract:
Comparisons of collections of volatiles from male and female Oulema melanopus, feeding on host foliage (oats), revealed an electrophysiologically active male-specific compound, (E)-8-hydroxy-6-methyl-6-octen-3-one (7), which is a new natural product. The structure of 7 was elucidated by spectroscopic and microchemical studies and confirmed by chemical synthesis. Antennal electrophysiology showed the sensitive detection of 7 by both sexes, which is consistent with a male-produced aggregation pheromone.