A new sesquiterpenoid produced by female Callosobruchus rhodesianus (Pic): a possible component of the sex attractant pheromone

(E)-6-Ethyl-2,10-dimethyl-5,9-undecadienal was identified from female seed beetle, Callosobruchus rhodesianus (Pic), as an electroantennographic-detection (EAD) active compound in the male. The ratio of the (E)-6-ethyl-2,10-dimethyl-5,9-undecadienal and (3S,6E)-2,3-dihydrohomofarnesal, previously identified as a sex attractant pheromone, was estimated at approximately 1:4.5. In combination with the stereoisomer-activity relationship of 2,3-dihydrohomofarnesal, we suggest that this new compound might function as a minor sex attractant pheromone in C. rhodesianus.