Prolonged slow release of (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate employing polyurea microcapsules |
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| Authors: | A P Mihou A Michaelakis F D Krokos B E Mazomenos E A Couladouros |
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| Institution: | Chemistry Laboratories, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece;;Natural Product Synthesis and Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Institute of Physical Chemistry, NCSR 'Demokritos', Athens, Greece;;Chemical Ecology and Natural Products Laboratory, Institute of Biology, NCSR 'Demokritos', Athens, Greece |
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| Abstract: | Abstract: The potential use of polyurea microcapsules, as 'release carriers' for insect pheromones, has been demonstrated. ( Z )-11-hexadecenyl acetate (Z11-16:Ac), the major sex pheromone component of several Noctuidae species, was used as the model molecule. The coating material's ability to release the pheromone was initially studied by the solid-phase micro-extraction technique. Polyurea microcapsules released Z11-16:Ac relatively slowly, with a duration of approximately 1 month, as it was determined under both laboratory and semi-field conditions. Preliminary laboratory bioassays revealed a satisfactory attraction of Sesamia males, at doses of 50 and 500 mg of dried microcapsules containing the aforementioned pheromone. Almost all male insects tested initiated flight and among them 40.2–49.4% successfully contacted the pheromone source. The preparation of polyurea microcapsules needs further refinement as to increase release duration; nevertheless, these results demonstrate strong potential for the future use of polyurea microcapsules as part of integrated insect control programmes. |
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| Keywords: | Sesamia sp behaviour studies insect pheromones release carriers solid-phase micro-extraction |
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