Comparative GC/MS analysis of airborne volatiles produced by males and females of the guava weevil Conotrachelus psidii (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae) showed the presence of a malespecific electroantennographically active compound identified as (1R,2S,6R)-2-hydroxymethyl-2,6- dimethyl-3-oxabicyclo[4.2.0]octane (papayanol). Release of this compound was dependent on the photoperiod, taking place primarily during the scotophase, with a maximum release between 2 and 6 h after the onset of the scotophase. Y-tube olfactometer bioassays revealed a strong attractiveness of the papayanol to male and female weevils considering the presence of the plant volatiles.
GC/EAD; (1R,2S,6R)-2-hydroxymethyl-2,6-dimethyl-3-oxabicyclo[4.2.0]octane; pheromone release rate
