Abstract
Β-Bergamotenoic acid, a compound previously shown to stimulate oviposition inH. zea, was converted into a set of bicyclic analogs and tested with a set of acyclic side chain analogs to ascertain the molecular structure that maximizes insect behavioral response. While changes in the bicyclic ring elicited no variation in response, alteration in the side chain structure ofΒ-bergamotenoic acid resulted in significant changes in moth preference. Free rotation about the C-C bond proximal to the carboxylic acid group appears to be an important structural factor, since saturation of the side chain double bond significantly increased activity. The carboxylic acid group seems to be required for strong oviposition stimulation, since analogs lacking the carboxylic acid group exhibited no significant oviposition activity. Oviposition preference ofH. zea was also influenced by the length of the hydrocarbon chain to which the carboxylic acid is attached. While hexanoic acid was found inactive, the ovipositional preference for the heptanoic and octanoic acids was greatest for the one 8-carbon tested. This and other work suggest that carboxylic acids of specific chain lengths influence the oviposition behavior of bothHelicoverpa andHeliothis species and may be associated with host-plant selection. The potential use of this information in designing integrated pest management strategies for control ofH. zea is discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
