DDT substitutes

Evolution of olfactory receptor in oriental fruit fly Dacus dorsalis

“…With the isomeric dimethoxybenzenes, the male flies showed exclusive preference for the ortho configuration as found in methyl eugenol (LR, 1 jig) over meta (>10,000) and para (100). The (1,(7)(8)(9)(10)(11). The melon fly D. cucurbitae, which does not respond to methyl eugenol, was found to be strongly attracted to a synthetic chemical anisyl acetone or p-methoxyphenyl-3-butanone (12); subsequently it was shown that p-acetoxyphenyl-3-butanone and its hydrolytic product p-hydroxyphenyl-3-butanone were superior as attractants (13).…”

“…This sensitive behavioral response to a simple chemical provides a useful tool for investigations of the physicochemical interactions between kairomone and antennal receptor, of the neurological complexities of insect behavior, and of the coevolution of a large and rapidly evolving family of Diptera (Tephritidae) with various plant families. Previously (1) we concluded that the depolarization of the olfactory sensillum resulted from a conformational change in the lipoprotein receptor involving the unshared electron pairs of the orthodimethoxybenzene moiety. In the present investigation, we have extended the mapping of the active site of the methyl eugenol receptor to evaluation of the optimal size and shape of the lipoprotein patch that is complementary in structure to the methyl eugenol molecule.…”

“…The treated filter paper discs were placed on the floor of 30-cm3 (1 ft3) aluminum-screen cages containing approximately 100 male laboratory-reared D. dorsalis age 12-20 days beyond eclosion. At 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 min after introduction of the test paper, the number of male flies attracted to the treated area was recorded and observations were made of the typical methyl eugenol responsive sequence (1) The publication costs of this article were defrayed in part by page charge payment. This article must therefore be hereby marked "advertisement" in accordance with 18 U. S. C. §1734 solely to indicate this fact.…”

“…When exposed to nanogram quantities of 3,4-dimethoxyallylbenzene (methyl eugenol), a widely distributed phenylpropionoid essential oil, the male oriental fruit fly Dacus dorsalis Hendel undergoes a characteristic sequential response of searching with pulsating mouthparts, arrest, and compulsive feeding (1). This sensitive behavioral response to a simple chemical provides a useful tool for investigations of the physicochemical interactions between kairomone and antennal receptor, of the neurological complexities of insect behavior, and of the coevolution of a large and rapidly evolving family of Diptera (Tephritidae) with various plant families.…”

“…METHODS AND MATERIALS Attractancy of methyl eugenol and related chemicals was measured as described (1). Aliquots of liquid attractants were applied by microliter disposable pipettes to the center of 9-cm Whatman no.…”