Magsi, Fida Hussain ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3721-5761, Luo, Zongxiu, Meng, Xiangfei, Xiu, Chunli ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6001-9139, Ullah, Amees, Chen, Zongmao ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2242-0113, Hall, David R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7887-466X and Cai, Xiaoming (2026) Identification, synthesis, behavioral activity, and field assessment of components of the female-produced sex pheromone of Helopeltis theivora (Hemiptera: Miridae), a devastating pest of tea. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 74 (33). pp. 25950-25959. ISSN 0021-8561 (Print), 1520-5118 (Online) (doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.6c04433)

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Abstract

Helopeltis theivora is a major pest of tea, cocoa and cashew, and increasing insecticide resistance highlights the need for sustainable alternatives such as pheromones. Previous studies failed to identify female pheromone components attractive to males in the field. Re-examination of female extracts by gas chromatography with electroantennographic detection (GC–EAD) revealed a single active compound, identified by GC–MS as octyl 3-(butanoyloxy)butanoate (III). Enantioselective analysis showed females produce both (3R)-and (3S)-enantiomers. Two related but EAD-inactive compounds, hexyl (3R)-3-(butanoyloxy)butanoate (II) and octyl butanoate (I) were identified. Both enantiomers of (III) were EAD-active, but individually induced minimal male orientation, whereas blends triggered strong orientated flight and contact. Field trials confirmed that 2:1 or 1:1 blends of (3R)- and (3S)-(III) captured significantly more males than single enantiomers. Adding (I) had no effect, while (II) may increase catches. These findings provide a chemically defined, field-validated basis for monitoring and managing this important pest.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Helopeltis theivora, sex pheromone, octyl 3-(butanoyloxy)butanoate, hexyl 3-(butanoyloxy)butanoate, chirality
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) Q Science > QL Zoology S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Centre for Sustainable Agriculture 4 One Health Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Centre for Sustainable Agriculture 4 One Health > Chemical Ecology & Plant Biochemistry
Last Modified:	10 Sep 2026 10:00
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/54386

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