The United States of America As Represented by the Secretary of

Adron T Proveaux

James H Tumlinson, Iii

Philip E Sonnet

Paul L Guss

A pheromonal compound produced by the western corn rootworm has been identified as 8-methyl-2-decanol propanoate (8-M-2-DP) having the structural formula: ##STR1## A synthesis has been devised for racemic 8-M-2-DP which demonstrates activity toward the western corn rootworm comparable to its natural counterpart. Other diabroticites including the Mexican corn rootworm and the northern corn rootworm also respond to the synthetic compound. By attracting rootworms to field traps, 8-M-2-DP is a useful tool for the monitoring and control of these major agricultural pests.

Growing community of inventors

Gainesville, FL, United States of America

Adron T Proveaux