Author
Submitted to: Journal of Natural Products
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 7/12/2001 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: In a collaborative effort with APHIS Scientists to identify an attractant for the hardwood-borer, Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB), we isolated, identified, and synthesized two male-specific compounds, which are attractive to walking ALB females and males in laboratory bioassay. A patent has been granted (http://ott.ars.usda.gov/inv/A347907.htm) for the use of these compounds to detect and manage this invasive species. Technical Abstract: The introduction of the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), into the U.S. poses a great economic threat to the nation's forests and shade trees. To aid in the detection and management of this invasive species, we have isolated and identified two male-specific ALB compounds, 4-(n-heptyloxy)butanal and 4-(n-heptyloxy)-1-butanol. The authentic samples elicited the same GC-EAD responses from both sexes as natural products. July 1999 field tests in China failed to demonstrate attraction of flying beetles to these compounds, with or without a mixture of six host volatiles. However, Y-tube olfactometer tests conducted during the 2000 season showed that the synthetic alkyl ethers are significantly attractive to walking ALB females and males. |