Insect attractant and oviposition enhancing activity of hexadecanoic acid ester derivatives for monitoring and trapping Caryedon serratus

Abstract This paper describes behavioural changes elicited in Caryedon serratus by some synthesized hexadecanoic acid ester derivatives, which can be effectively used for monitoring pest populations thereby reducing the risk of pests becoming established in stores. Six hexadecanoic acid ester derivatives were synthesized. Choice and no-choice experiments with different concentrations (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg l −1 ) of derivatives against C. serratus revealed significant (p  −1 benzoyl hexadecanoate reduced oviposition (4.7 ± 0.6) significantly (p  C. serratus . Additionally, trap experiments performed in mini-stores also support highly significant (p  C. serratus . This study established the dose specific application of hexadecanoic ester derivatives in traps for effective management of this groundnut pest. The specificity of synthesized ester derivatives in attracting both sexes differently also indicates their probable resemblance to pheromone components of C. serratus .