Skip to main content
ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Crop Bioprotection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #168945
Title: PHEROMONE OF GALERUCELLA CALMARIENSIS: PROGRESS TOWARD CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION

Author
item Bartelt, Robert
item Cosse, Allard
item Zilkowski, Bruce
item WIEDENMANN, ROBERT - IL NAT HIST SURV,CHAMPAIG
item POST, SUSAN - IL NAT HIST SURV,CHAMPAIG

Submitted to: Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/29/2003
Publication Date: 10/29/2003
Citation: Bartelt, R.J., Cosse, A.A., Zilkowski, B.W., Wiedenmann, R.N., Post, S.L. 2003. Pheromone of Galerucella calmariensis: Progress toward chemical identification [abstract]. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting. Abstract No. D0338.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Galerucella calmariensis L. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is an Old World beetle species that has been introduced into the United States as a biocontrol agent of the invasive weed, purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.). Volatiles were collected from males and females feeding on loosestrife foliage. GC-MS and GC-EAD revealed a male-specific compound that was sensitively detected by the antennae of both sexes. Together, these properties indicate the existence of a male-produced aggregation pheromone in yet another chrysomelid species. High resolution mass spectrometry determined the molecular formula to be C14H20O3. Additional structural information was obtained from spectra and microchemical tests. A synthetic pheromone for this biocontrol agent could become a practical tool for monitoring beetle dispersal, survival, and timing of emergence in the field. It might also be useful for mass collecting of the insects for redistribution to other areas.