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Improved preparation of (E)-β-farnesene and its activity with economically important aphids

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Abstract

(E)-β-Farnesene, the major component of the alarm pheromone of many aphids, is prepared in 65% yield by passing commercial nerolidol through an evacuated column of alumina, treated with pyridine, at 200° C. The product is stored without air and applied to aphids as vapor at low speed (ca. 230 mm/sec) in air or nitrogen. The response of eight economically important aphid species was assessed in the laboratory; over 90% ofMyzus persicae responded in a large scale trial.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rothamsted Experimental Station, AL5, 2JQ, Harpenden, Herts., UK

    G. W. Dawson, D. C. Griffiths, J. A. Pickett, M. C. Smith & Christine M. Woodcock

Authors
  1. G. W. Dawson
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  2. D. C. Griffiths
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  3. J. A. Pickett
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  4. M. C. Smith
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  5. Christine M. Woodcock
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Dawson, G.W., Griffiths, D.C., Pickett, J.A. et al. Improved preparation of (E)-β-farnesene and its activity with economically important aphids. J Chem Ecol 8, 1111–1117 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00986981

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00986981

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