Sugawara, Y., Inoue, H., Toda, S., & Tabata, J. 2024 Sex Pheromone of the Azalea Mealybug: Absolute Configuration and Kairomonal Activity. Journal of Chemical Ecology https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-024-01473-2
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Notes: The sex pheromone of the azalea mealybug, Crisicoccus azaleae (Tinsley, 1898) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), includes esters of a methyl-branched medium-chain fatty acid, ethyl and isopropyl (E)-7-methyl-4-nonenoate. These compounds are exceptional among mealybug pheromones, which are commonly monoterpenes. Field-trap bioassays showed that male mealybugs were attracted more to (S)-enantiomers and preferred the natural stereochemistry. Moreover, the synthetic pheromones attracted Anagyrus wasps, indicating that the azalea mealybug pheromone has kairomonal activity.
