The United States of America As Represented by the Secretary of

Philip E Sonnet

James H Tumlinson, Iii

Meyer Schwarz

Nobel Wakabayashi

Paul L Guss

John R McLaughlin

Robert R Heath

James A Coffelt

Adron T Proveaux

Fredrick I Proshold

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 sweetpotato weevil has been identified as (Z)-3-dodecen-1-ol (E)-2-butenoate. The synthetically-prepared compound demonstrates activity toward the sweetpotato weevil comparable to or greater than that of the natural female and comparable to that of its natural counterpart under field conditions. The novel compound provides a sensitive tool for detection of the sweetpotato weevil. By attracting adult weevils to field traps, this compound provides a means for monitoring and controlling this major agricultural pest.

(Z)-3-dodecen-1-ol (E)-2-butenoate and its use in monitoring and

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.

Synthetic pheromone 10-methyl-2-tridecanone and its use in controlling

A number of terpenoid compounds and their epoxides were synthesized and found to prevent insect maturation when applied to insects in an immature stage of growth.

Growing community of inventors

Gainesville, FL, United States of America

Philip E Sonnet