Pellioditis pellio: Substituted phenolic compounds as chemoattractants.

Vanillin, vanillic acid, and other related compounds are chemoattractants either for nematodes or arthropods. We tested vanillin, vanillic acid, and 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde in an in vitro bioassay system for their ability to attractPellioditis pellio males and females. Females were not attracted to any of the three compounds tested. Males responded to vanillin and vanillic acid, but not to 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde. Males responded to vanillin and vanillic acid when these compounds were present at 10(-5) M concentration. Vanillin at 10(-3) and 10(-7) M concentrations was not attractive.