A method for the characterization of sub-milligram quantities of plant coumarins has been devised. Each compound was purified by gas-liquid chromatography, and the collected material analyzed by a combination of ultraviolet absorption and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The procedures developed were tested successfully on several plant extracts. Limettin and bergapten were identified in lime peel; angelicin, psoralen, and xanthotoxin in parsnips; and angelicin, xanthotoxin, and bergapten in Angelica leaves. Isopimpinellin was found in all three plant materials.

No abstract

Selected primary (Z)-alkenals and (Z)-alkenyl acetates (odd-numbered unsaturation positions, even-numbered carbon chains C10–C16) were field tested in three groups for ability to attract male moths into traps. Within each group all possible combinations (1:1:1) of components were examined. From 441 combinations, consistent attractants for 47 species were found. In one case three components were required for attractancy, while in others two or one were minimally sufficient. Possible trapping inhibitors were revealed for most of the species taken. Of the captured species 44 were noctuids, two were tortricids, and one was a gelechiid.

Coumarin derivatives are abundant in leaves of Angelicaarchangelica, and differ in kind from those of the roots. Angelicin, bergapten, imperatorin, isopimpinellin, xanthotoxin, oxypeucedanin, and five unidentified coumarins were isolated from leaves. A time study of their development was carried out. Methods for the isolation of leaf neutral coumarins are described.

(Z,Z,Z)-3,6,9-Eicosatriene and (Z,Z,Z)-3,6,9-heneicosatriene have been identified as components of the sex pheromone of the noctuid,Caenurgina erechtea (Cramer), the forage looper. Structural assignments were made on the basis of spectroscopic and chromatographic data and were confirmed by comparison with synthetic material. Flight tunnel behavioral studies demonstrated that either component, when tested individually, would elicit wing fanning responses in males; however, mixtures of the two components increased this response and were essential for initiation of upwind flight and landing. In field experiments, traps baited with either component alone captured few or no adult forage looper males while those baited with both components captured several target males.