Lactones: Part 11. Feeding-deterrent activity of some bi- and tricyclic terpenoid lactones.

The feeding-deterrent activities of thirteen synthetic terpenoid lactones, including isomeric bicyclic gamma-spirolactones with the limonene system and tricyclic gamma-lactones with the pinane system, were determined towards three storage pest insects: the adults of Sitophilus granarius, the adults and larvae of Tribolium confusum and the larvae of Trogoderma granarium. The configuration of chiral centres, as well as the presence of additional functional groups (double bond, iodine and hydroxy group) are important for antifeeding activity.