Biotransformation of beta-myrcene by the larvae of common cutworm (Spodoptera litura).

beta-Myrcene was mixed in an artificial diet at a concentration of 1 mg/g of diet, and the diet was fed to the last instar larvae of common cutworm (Spodoptera litura). Metabolites were recovered from frass and analyzed spectroscopically. beta-Myrcene was transformed mainly to myrcene-3(10)-glycol and myrcene-1,2-glycol. Each pair of double bonds of beta-myrcene was converted to the corresponding diol by oxidation, respectively. The 3,10- and 1,2-double bonds of beta-myrcene were respectively oxidized.