Identification of a female-specific, antennally active volatile compound of the currant stem girdler

• Published in: Journal of chemical ecology 2001-09, Vol.27 (9), p.1841-1853
• Main Authors: COSSE, Allard A, BARTELT, Robert J, JAMES, David G, PETROSKI, Richard J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical chemistry; Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Autoecology; Biological and medical sciences; Cephidae; Chromatography; Chromatography, Gas; Emissions; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Hymenoptera - chemistry; Janus integer; Lactones - chemistry; Liquid chromatography; Oleic Acids - chemistry; Protozoa. Invertebrata; Sex Attractants - chemistry; Volatilization
• ISSN: 0098-0331; 1573-1561
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1010412826373

We identified (Z)-9-octadecen-4-olide as a female-specific, antennally active compound from the currant stem girdler Janus integer Norton. Female specificity was demonstrated by gas chromatographic comparison of liquid chromatography fractions of male and female volatile emissions and whole body extracts. The gamma-lactone was identified by coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD), coupled gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis, microchemical reactions, and GC and MS comparison with authentic standards. GC-EAD analysis of female volatile emissions and cuticular extracts showed a single peak of activity on male antennae, which was not present in male-derived materials. Female antennae did not respond to any of the tested materials. The hydrogenation product of the natural EAD-active material was a known saturated gamma-lactone. The mass spectrum of the dimethyl disulfide derivative of the natural y -lactone was consistent with a double bond present in the 9 position. Comparison of the natural gamma-lactone and a synthesized racemic mixture of (Z)-9-octadecen-4-olide on a chiral GC column showed the presence of a single enantiomer in the natural material.