Boll Weevil Sex Attractant: Isolation Studies12345

Abstract
Techniques for isolating the sex attractant of the boll weevil Anthonomus grandis Boheman, were studied. Aeration of live insects, extraction procedures, column chromatography on Florisil® and Carbowax 20M® coated silica gel, and steam distillation of male and mixed weevils and of fecal material are described. Bioassays of the fractions obtained indicated that steam distillation of male or mixed insects or fecal material is the preferred method of isolating the attractant.