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2-Furaldehyde from baldcypress

A chemical rationale for the demise of the Georgia silkworm industry

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Abstract

2-Furaldehyde was growth inhibitory and toxic to larvae ofBombyx mori at concentrations as low as 1 ppm. Baldcypress,Taxodium distichum, heartwood released this volatile at concentrations in excess of these levels. The adverse effect of this chemical on silkworms may partially account for the demise of the Georgia silkworm industry (circa 1765), after the construction of a baldcypress rearing facility.

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Jones, C.G., Aldrich, J.R. & Blum, M.S. 2-Furaldehyde from baldcypress. J Chem Ecol 7, 89–101 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00988637

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00988637

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