Chemical composition of essential oil from tetradenia riparia and its attractant activity for mediterranean fruit fly, ceratitis capitata

Authors: BLYTHE, EUGENE - Auburn University; Tabanca, Nurhayat; DEMIRCI, BETUL - Anadolu Universtiy; Kendra, Paul

Submitted to: Natural Product Communications
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/5/2020
Publication Date: 9/21/2020
Citation: Blythe, E.K., Tabanca, N., Demirci, B., Kendra, P.E. 2020. Chemical composition of essential oil from tetradenia riparia and its attractant activity for mediterranean fruit fly, ceratitis capitata . Natural Product Communications. 15(9): 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578X20953955.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578X20953955

Interpretive Summary: The Mediterranean fruit fly or medfly (Ceratitis capitata), is considered one of the most important agricultural pests worldwide, impacting the production of over 300 fruit and vegetables species and necessitating strict quarantine restrictions in many countries. New attractants could improve medfly detection, suppression, and eradication measures. Therefore, ARS scientists in Miami, FL, in collaboration with scientists at Auburn University (Auburn, AL) and Anadolu University (Eskisehir, Turkey) conducted research to identify potential new attractants from the African ginger bush (Tetradenia riparia). The T. riparia essential oil (TREO) was analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Major constituents consisted of fenchone (15%), d-cadinene (11%), 14-hydroxy-b-caryophyllene (8%), and tau-cadinol (7%). In short-range laboratory bioassays with male medflies, attraction to TREO was equal to that of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia), a known strong attractant for medfly. Additional studies are in progress to identify the specific chemical components responsible for attraction to TREO. This research may lead to development of improved medfly lures for use by regulatory agencies in detection and monitoring programs for this invasive pest.

Technical Abstract: The Mediterranean fruit fly or medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is one of the most economically important invasive pests worldwide, with over 300 known hosts. Essential oils have great promise for application in integrated pest management, where they function as natural repellents, attractants, and toxicants with reduced impact on the environment. In this study we evaluated essential oil from aerial parts of the African ginger bush, Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd (Lamiaceae), as a potential new attractant for male C. capitata. Tetradenia riparia essential oil (TREO) was analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The primary compounds identified were fenchone (15%), d-cadinene (11%), 14-hydroxy-ß-caryophyllene (8%), and tau-cadinol (7%). In short-range laboratory bioassays with sterile male medflies, TREO exhibited attractancy comparable to that observed with a positive control, essential oil from tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden and Betche) Cheel.). This study provides the first report of C. capitata behavioral response to TREO. Further research is needed, particularly with the two enantiomers of fenchone, to determine the chemical constituents responsible for attraction of C. capitata.