Response of northern corn rootworm,Diabrotica barberi Smith and Lawrence, to stereoisomers of 8-methyl-2-decyl propanoate.

The four stereoisomers of 8-methyl-2-decyl propanoate were tested in South Dakota for attractiveness to the northern corn rootworm,Diabrotica barberi Smith and Lawrence (NCR). Only the 2R,8R configuration was attractive to the NCR. Inhibition of the NCR response to 2R,8R occurred when either the 2S,8R or 2S,8S isomers were components of the pheromone source. The 2R,8S configuration elicited no behavioral activity in the NCR.