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Aggregation pheromone of palmetto weevil,Rhynchophorus cruentatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

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Abstract

5-Methyl-4-octanol is the major aggregation pheromone of the palmetto weevil,Rhynchophorus cruentatus (F.). The pheromone (cruentol) was identified by coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic (GC-EAD) analysis of male-produced volatiles, coupled GC-mass spectrometry (MS) in electron impact and chemical ionization mode, and coupled GC-high resolution MS. In laboratory and field assays, a diastereomeric mixture of synthetic cruentol greatly enhanced attraction of weevils to cabbage palmetto,Sabal palmetto (Walter), stem tissue, indicating that cruentol and host volatiles are synergistically attractive. An attractive lure in combination with efficient traps should facilitate development of semiochemical-based management forR. cruentatus.

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Author notes

  1. T. J. Weissling

    Present address: Yakima Agricultural Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, 3706 W. Nob Hill Blvd., 98902, Yakima, Washington

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 3205 College Ave., 33314, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

    T. J. Weissling & R. M. Giblin-Davis

  2. Centre for Pest Management, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, V5A 1S6, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

    G. Gries & R. Gries

  3. Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, V5A 1S6, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

    A. L. Perez, H. D. Pierce Jr. & A. C. Oehlschlager

Authors
  1. T. J. Weissling
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  2. R. M. Giblin-Davis
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  3. G. Gries
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  4. R. Gries
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  5. A. L. Perez
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  6. H. D. Pierce Jr.
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  7. A. C. Oehlschlager
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Weissling, T.J., Giblin-Davis, R.M., Gries, G. et al. Aggregation pheromone of palmetto weevil,Rhynchophorus cruentatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). J Chem Ecol 20, 505–515 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02059593

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02059593

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