Response of Reticulitermes Flavipes to Fractions From Fungus-Infected Wood And Synthetic Chemicals1

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Abstract
At least 6 materials attractive to Reticulitermes Flavipes (Kollar) were found in wood partially decayed by Lenzites trabea Pers. ex Fr. These unidentified attractants were steam-volatile, neutral, unsaturated compounds. A non-attractive diester of phthalic acid was present in relatively large amounts. A crystalline material, which was not attractive, was identified as 3,4-dimethyl-8-hydroxyisocoumarin. This isocoumarin was also present in the wood alone, but not in the termites. Steam volatile attractants were also present in the fungus grown on synthetic media, in the wood alone, and in the termites. Testing of compounds of known structure for attractancy indicated that some materials with the propenyl and styryl radical were active, for example cinnamyl alcohol and isosafrole. Other attractive compounds were 6 ionones and certain camphor analogs. The attractivity of camphor may be due to a minor impurity.

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