ARS | Publication request: IDENTIFICATION AND ATTRACTIVENESS OF (2E,4E,6Z)-2,4,6-NONATRIENAL, THE MAJOR COMPONENT OF THE MALE-PRODUCED AGGREGATION PHEROMONE OF THE EGGPLANT FLEA BEETLE (EPITRIX FUSCULA)

Submitted to: Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: November 9, 2005
Publication Date: December 15, 2005
Citation: Zilkowski, B.W., Cosse, A.A., Bartelt, R.J. 2005. Identification and attractiveness of (2E,4E,6Z)-2,4,6-nonatrienal, the major component of the male-produced aggregation pheromone of the eggplant flea beetle (Epitrix fuscula) [abstract]. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting. Paper No. 0074.

Technical Abstract: GC and GC-EAD analysis of headspace volatiles collected from Epitrix fuscula (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) feeding on eggplant leaves revealed seven potential male-specific pheromone components. The most abundant of these was identified as (2E,4E,6Z)-2,4,6-nonatrienal, a new chemical not previously reported in insects. The other minor components were sesquiterpenes that have been found in the male emissions from other flea beetle species. Chemical identifications were by spectra, microchemical reactions, and comparison to standards. (2E,4E,6Z)-2,4,6-nonatrienal was synthesized and matched the natural compound by GC retention times, spectra, and GC-EAD responses. In a field test, the synthetic aldehyde attracted significantly more eggplant flea beetles than unbaited traps alone.