Bioorganic chemistry on sex pheromones secreted by lepidopteran insects and their application for plant protection

Lepidopteran sex pheromones have been identified from more than 500 species. The pheromones in the most predominant group (Type I) are composed of unsaturated C 1 0 - C 1 8 straight-chain compounds with a terminal functional group, such as bombykol produced by the silkworm moth. In addition to them, females in some evolved families produce C 1 7 - C 2 3 polyunsaturated hydrocarbons and the epoxy derivatives, constituting a second major group (Type II). While some synthetic pheromones have already been utilized for plant protection on the basis of their strong attractive activities for male moths, many bioorganic chemical studies are currently underway on this exciting topic. This paper addresses recent research conducted mainly in the Chemical Ecology Laboratory in TUAT and explores the flature of pheromone studies and potential applications.