The United States of America As Represented by the Secretary of

Paul L Guss

James H Tumlinson, Iii

Philip E Sonnet

John R McLaughlin

Adron T Proveaux

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.

Synthetic pheromone 8-methyl-2-decanol propanoate

A pheromonal compound produced by the southern corn rootworm has been identified as 10-methyl-2-tridecanone (10-M-2-T) having the structural formula: ##STR1## The synthetic R-enantiomer of 10-M-2-T demonstrates activity toward the southern corn rootworm comparable to its natural counterpart, whereas the synthetic racemic mixture is characterized by approximately half the activity for a given amount. Related diabroticites such as the western spotted cucumber beetle also respond to the synthetic compounds. By attracting adult beetles to field traps, 10-M-2-T is a useful tool for the monitoring and control of these major agricultural pests.

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Brookings, SD, United States of America

Paul L Guss