ARS | Publication request: MALE-PRODUCED AGGREGATION PHEROMONE OF GALERUCELLA CALMARIENSIS AND G. PUSILLA

Submitted to: National Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 8, 2005
Publication Date: December 15, 2005
Citation: Bartelt, R.J., Cosse, A.A., Zilkowski, B.W., Weisleder, D., Grode, S.H., Wiedenmann, R.N., Post, S.L. 2005. Male-produced aggregation pheromone of Galerucella calmariensis and G. pusilla [abstract]. National Entomological Society of America Proceedings. Paper No. D0363.

Technical Abstract: Males of Galerucella calmariensis and G. pusilla (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) emit a pheromonally active compound while feeding on host foliage. Isolation of the compound from collected volatiles was guided by male/female comparisons of gas chromatograms and by GC-EAD. It was identified by mass spectrometry (EI, CI, and HR), NMR, and UV spectroscopy, and microchemical tests as a novel dimethylfuran lactone. The structure was proven by synthesis. The synthetic compound was attractive in the field to the males and females of both species. The pheromone could become a tool for monitoring populations of these important biocontrol agents of purple loosestrife. A new method is described for distinguishing the two species, based on examination of the tibial spurs of the males.