Structure-activity relationships in glucosinolates and other compounds stimulating oviposition in the cabbage root...

The ability of a range of glucosinolates and other compounds in stimulating oviposition of the cabbage root fly (Delia radicum) was determined using a bioassay based on the use of surrogate leaves coated with test compounds. The results show that chemically dissimilar compounds are effective stimulants providing they contain the S=O group. No other part of the glucosinolate molecule was shown to be necessary. It has been shown that compounds other than glucosinolates may be important in the oviposition behavior ofD. radicum.