Abstract
GC-MS analysis of volatiles released from wheat infested with a high density of aphids showed the presence of 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-ol (sulcatol). The proportion of enantiomers present in the volatiles was determined by esterifying the mixture with (1S)-( − )-camphanic chloride and quantifying the esters. The mixture consisted of 75% (R)-( − ) and 25% (S)-( + ). The mixture of enantiomers as well as the racemate showed significant repellency towards apterous Rhopalosiphum padi in an olfactometer (15.7% and 14.4%, respectively, with 10 ng of stimulus). Single enantiomers or a mixture containing 25% (R)-( − )- and 75% (S)-( + )-enantiomers were inactive. The results are discussed in relation to the achievement of specificity by aphids in different pheromone-mediated behaviors.
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