Abstract

Aromatic organic compounds found in the feces of the pine weevil, Hylobius abietis (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), have been shown to deter feeding behavior in this species, which is a serious pest of planted conifer seedlings in Europe. We evaluated 55 benzoic acid derivatives and a few homologs as antifeedants for H. abietis. Structure-activity relationships were identified by bioassaying related compounds obtained by rational syntheses of functional group analogs and structural isomers. We identified five main criteria of efficiency as antifeedants among the benzoic acid derivatives. By predicting optimal structures for H. abietis antifeedants, we attempted to find a commercial antifeedant to protect conifer seedlings against damage by H. abietis in regenerating forests. New, highly effective antifeedants are methyl 2,4-dimethoxybenzoate, isopropyl 2,4-dimethoxybenzoate, methyl 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoate, methyl (3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)acetate, and methyl (2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)acetate. Of these, methyl 2,4-dimethoxybenzoate and isopropyl 2,4-dimethoxybenzoate have the highest antifeedant indices of all substances tested and are the best candidates for practical applications in order to protect planted seedlings in the field

Published in

Journal of Chemical Ecology
2006, Volume: 32, number: 10, pages: 2191-2203
Publisher: SPRINGER

SLU Authors

• Nordlander, Göran

  • Department of Entomology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Nordenhem, Henrik

  • Department of Entomology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Hellqvist, Claes

  • Department of Entomology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Forest Science
Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-006-9139-3

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/9154