Attractants for the Mediterranean fruit fly

Abstract: Novel attractants for the Mediterrean Fruit fly, "Medfly" comprise isomeric blends of C l -C₅ alkyl esters of iodo- trans -2-methylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid.

Description: This invention relates to novel attractants for the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, Ceratitis capitata Wiedmann, hereinafter referred to as the "Medfly." More particularly, the present invention relates to novel isomeric blends of aliphatic esters of iodo- trans -2-methylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid, the method of their preparation and the method of use thereof to attract the Medfly for prolonged periods of time. Attacking over 250 varieties of fruits, nuts and vegetables, the Medfly is one of our most serious crop pests. Found predominately in Hawaii, Central America, and subtropical regions of the world, the Medfly has periodically invaded the mainland of the United States causing major economic losses. Consequently, there exists a great need for effective programs to control this pest. Several attractants for the Medfly are known. Siglure (1-methylpropyl trans -6-methyl-3-cyclohexenecarboxylate) was the first synthetic lure found to have significant attraction to the Medfly. Medlure (1-methylpropyl 4(and 5)-chloro- trans -2-methylcyclohexanecarboxylate) and trimedlure (1,1-dimethylethyl 4(and 5)-chloro- trans -2-methylcyclohexanecarboxylate), hereinafter referred to as "TML," were later reported to be greatly superior as Medfly attractants. Currently, TML is the "standard" attractant most widely used in traps for survey and detection of the Medfly. TML evaporates rapidly during hot weather thereby necessitating frequent and costly rebaiting of the traps. Further, the short residual life of TML (as well as Medlure and Siglure) mitigates against the development of an economical male-annihilation formulation of attractant plus insecticide. TML also forms crystals during cold-weather storage so that the amount of the attractant is reduced in the supernatant. Because these crystals do not readily redissolve, special storage problems can occur in large volume programs. Summary of the Invention An object of this invention is to provide novel attractants which are highly attractive to the Medfly for prolonged periods of time. Another object of this invention is to provide persistent Medfly attractants which are comparable in attraction with TML but do not possess the deficiencies associated with TML. We have accomplished the aforementioned objects by providing attractant compositions containing lower alkyl esters of 4(and 5)-iodo- trans -2-methyl-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid which when applied in an amount sufficient to attract the Medfly are highly effective for prolonged periods of time. In addition to being much more persistent than TML, the esters of the invention are not prone to crystallization as is TML, and may be more facilely and economically produced than TML. Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention provides a composition to attract the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, comprising an attractant having an effective amount of a compound of the formula. wherein -CH₃ and -COOR are in the trans -configuration and iodo atom is equatorial; and R is an ethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, propyl, 1-methylethyl, 1-methyl-2, 2,2-trifluoroethyl. The invention also provides a composition to attract the Mediterranean Fruit Fly comprising an attractant having an effective amount of a mixture of compounds of the formulae wherein -CH₃ and -COOR are in the trans -configuration and the iodo atom is equatorial; R is as defined above and R in each of the formulae is identical. The invention further provides a composition to attract the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, comprising an attractant having an effective amount of a mixture of compounds of the formulae wherein -CH₃ and -COOR are in the trans -configuration and the iodo atom is equatorial and axial, but is more than 50% equatorial; R is as defined above; and R in each of the formulae is identical. For purposes of the invention, the term "4 and 5" is used herein to designate a mixture of the 4- and 5-iodo isomers wheren the iodo atoms of the invention esters are in both an equatorial and axial conformation, thus providing a blend of four stereoisomers for each ester. The four stereoisomers are herein designated A₁, A₂, B₁ and B₂ as follows: Esters useful in the present invention may be prepared as follows: The corresponding trans -6-methyl-3-cyclohexenecarboxylic acid (as prepared by a Diels-Alder reaction) is heated in a pressure vessel for 3 to 6 hours at elevated temperatures with aqueous hydriodic acid in the presence of an organic solvent, such as dioxane. The resultant iodo- trans -2-methylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid is a mixture of the 4- and 5-iodo isomers and is converted to the corresponding acid halide by reacting with a suitable halogenating agent, such as thionyl chloride, phosphorus trichloride or phosphorus tribromide, under mild conditions, preferably at room temperature. The acid halide is then reacted with the appropriate alcohol in a suitable solvent such as benzene or anhydrous ethyl ether in the presence of a hydrochloric acid scavenger such as pyridine, to yield the ester. Isolation of the ester is accomplished by sequentially washing the crude reaction mixture with dilute acid, dilute base and saturated salt solutions. The crude product is thereafter dried over a suitable drying agent, filtered and the solvent removed. Final purification is accomplished by fractional distillation under high vacuum. Individual stereoisomers of the esters can be separated by high-performance liquid chromotography. The stereoisomeric content of the esters can be easily varied by changing the reaction temperature during preparation of the ester. For example, invention esters synthesized by the addition of hydrogen iodide to the Diels-Alder acid adduct at moderately elevated temperatures, i.e. from 65°C to 80°C, consist of a isomeric blend which has isomers A₁ and A₂ as it major components, with isomers B₁ and B₂ comprising 10% to 20% of the blend. Esters synthesized by the addition of hydrogen iodide to the Diels-Alder acid adduct at 95°C to 130°C consist of an isomeric blend which consists of greater than 50% of isomers B₁ and B₂. Consequently, the higher the temperature the greater the B₁/B₂ isomer content in the resulting ester. Of the four stereoisomers, the most attractive isomer is B₁ having an equatorial iodo atom attached at the 5 carbon atom. For commercial practicalness, it is preferred to use a blend of isomers consisting predominately of isomers B₁ and B₂. Preferably, the blend comprises an isomer content of from 50% to 100% of isomer B₁ and B₂ with isomers A₁ and A₂ comprising from 0% to 50% of the blend. The esters may be used as is or they may be dissolved in volatile inert solvents such as liquid hydrocarbons, emulsified in water, or admixed with any other solid or inert liquid carrier. When used in actual practice in the field, the compounds may be impregnated on a solid carrier such as paper, cloth, sawdust, wood chips, or other absorbent material. The attractants may also be dispersed into the atmosphere by spraying or by dipping wicks into containers holding the ester composition. Further, the attractants may be used in bait traps usually provided with means to prevent the exit of insects so that the size and location of infestations may be ascertained. For optimum results, the esters of the invention should be used in a substantially pure form, that is, the esters must be free of undesirable contaminants that tend to mask or otherwise inhibit their effectiveness as an attractant. It is within the compass of the invention to use the esters either individually or in combination. The invention esters may also be used with other Medfly attractants or control agents, such as insecticides, chemosterilants or the like. When used, however, these agents should be used in an amount which, as readily determined by one skilled in the arts, will not interfere with the effectiveness of the invention esters. Although the preparative procedures described above are the preferred synthesis for the compounds of the invention, it is within the scope of this invention to prepare the esters using any suitable hydriodic acid addition and esterification procedures. The invention is further demonstrated by the following examples which are intended only to further illustrate the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Example 1 The preparation of a blend of ethyl 4(and 5)-iodo- trans -2-methyl cyclohexanecarboxylate comprising more than 50% of isomers B₁ and B₂ using the Diels-Alder acid adduct intermediate is hereinafter illustrated. 21 g of trans -6-methyl-3-cyclohexenecarboxylic acid (0.15 mole) were added to a pressure bottle along with 60 ml of 57% hydriodic acid and 30 ml of p-dioxane. The pressure bottle was equipped with a magnetic stirrer, securely capped, and placed in an oil bath held at 115 to 125°C. The reaction mixture was stirred vigorously while being held in the bath for 3 hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture was poured into water and the organic layer was taken up in ether. The ether layer was washed 2 times in water, then the organic acid was extracted from the crude reaction mixture with 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide. The alkaline portion was strongly acidified. The released organic acid was taken up in ether and was washed 3 times with water, then with dilute sodium bisulfite solution, again with water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and filtered. After removal of the solvent the crude iodo acid (ca 36 g) was used directly in the acid chloride synthesis. 26.8 g of the iodo acid (0.1 mole) was dissolved in 25 ml of benzene and 9 ml of thionyl chloride (0.125 mole) was added dropwise at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight and the excess thionyl chloride and benzene were removed under vacuum with slight warming (40 °C). The crude acid chloride was added dropwise to an excess of ethanol (12 ml) and 8 ml of pyridine in anhydrous ether. After standing overnight, the reaction mixture was extracted sequentially with water, dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide and finally with saturated salt solution. After drying over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, the crude product was isolated and purified by fractional distillation under high vacuum, b.p. 81 °C/0.15mm Hg, recovered yield 15.0 g, approximately 67% of which consisted of isomers B₁ and B₂ and 33% of isomers A₁ and A₂ (from gc peak height measurement). If the product darkens excessively after distillation, the excessive color can be removed by washing the product with dilute sodium bisulfite solution. Example 2 An isomeric blend of propyl 4(and 5)-iodo- trans -2-methylcyclohexanecarboxylate was synthesized in a 0.02 mole reaction in accordance with the procedure described in Example 1, and purified by distillation under high vacuum b.p. 85° C/0.15 mm, recovered yield 2.67 g (about 67% isomers B₁ and B₂ and about 33% isomers A₁ and A₂ (from gc peak height measurement). Example 3 To determine the effectiveness of the blends of the invention a field test was conducted in a macadamia nut orchard at Keaau, Hawaii, in October 1987. Medfly captures using isomeric blends of methyl, propyl, 1-methylethyl, 1-methyl-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl and 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl 4(and 5)-iodo- trans -2-methylcyclohexanecarboxylate were compared with those captures obtained by using TML. The ester blends used were (1) blends which consisted of about 100% B₁ and B₂ isomers; and/or (2) normal blends, that is, blends comprising isomers A₁, A₂, B₁ and B₂ wherein isomers A₁ and A₂ comprise more than 50% of the blend. Treatments were applied to cotton wicks (9.5 mm diam. x 12.7 mm length; Johnson and Johnson No. 2) in standard Jackson sticky traps. Each attractant was applied in a 0.025 ml dosage undiluted to a wick. Six replicates were used. The TML wick was allowed to age along with the other attractants. Sterile laboratory-reared medflies were released throughout the test plot in a uniform manner at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 10 and 13 days posttreatment. Fresh sticky inserts were placed in the traps prior to each release and remained in the trap throughout the test interval. The TML used in the tests was obtained commercially from UOP in East Rutherford, N.J. Data was analyzed by analysis of variance, and means were separated by Duncan's multiple range test at the P = 0.05 level (Duncan 1951). The results are recorded in Table I. Table I clearly shows the high attraction and superior persistence of ester blends comprising only isomers B₁ and B₂ over the normal blends. All of the B₁B₂ blends were significantly more attractive than their corresponding normal blends. In no case throughout the test did the catch of the normal mixture equal the catch obtained with the corresponding B₁B₂ blend. Of the ester blends tested, the B₁B₂ isomeric blend of the ethyl ester was the most attractive. Although not as initially attractive as the ethyl ester blend, the B₁B₂ isomeric blends of the propyl and the 1-methylethyl esters showed significant persistence over TML. After 2 days TML began to fail while the propyl and 1-methylethyl esters were effective up to 13 and 8 days, respectively. Further, the propyl and 1-methylethyl blends outlasted the ethyl ester up to 5 and 2 days, respectively. Example 4 The relative attractiveness of the four stereoisomers of ethyl 4(and 5)-iodo- trans -2-methylcyclohexanecarboxylate, and mixtures thereof, were determined in a field test conducted in a macadamia nut orchard at Keaau, Hawaii, in February, 1988. Medfly captures obtained with fresh and aged TML was compared to captures obtained using the ethyl ester having the following isomeric content: (1) high A₁ and A₂, that is, more than 50% of isomers A₁ and A₂; (2) isomer A₂; (3) isomers B₁ and B₂; (4) isomer B₁ and (5) isomer B₂ with ca. 2.5% of isomer B₁. The bioassay was the same as described in Example 4 except that a freshly baited TML wick was added to the test prior to each fly release and medflies were released at 0, 1, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 14 days postreatment. Data were analyzed in accordance with Example 4. The results are reported in Table II. Table II shows that of the four stereoisomers of the ethyl ester, the most attractive isomer was the B₁ isomer. Traps with the B₁ isomer had higher mean catches than those of fresh TML in the first 6 test periods and in 7 of the 9 test periods overall. Medfly captures with blends comprising the B₁ isomer were significantly as attractive as fresh TML up to 10 days. All isomeric mixtures of the ethyl ester tested were more persistant than aged TML which began to fail between days 1 and 3. It is understood that modifications and variations may be made to the foregoing disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims: A composition to attract the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, comprising an attractant having an effective amount of a compound of the formula. wherein -CH₃ and -COOR are in the trans -configuration and iodo atom is equatorial; and R is an ethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, propyl, 1-methylethyl, 1-methyl-2, 2,2-trifluoroethyl. A composition to attract the Mediterranean Fruit Fly comprising an attractant having an effective amount of a mixture of compounds of the formulae wherein -CH₃ and -COOR are in the trans -configuration and the iodo atom is equatorial; R has the meaning defined in Claim 1 and R in each of the formulae is identical. A composition to attract the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, comprising an attractant having an effective amount of a mixture of compounds of the formulae wherein -CH₃ and -COOR are in the trans -configuration and the iodo atom is equatorial and axial, but is more than 50% equatorial; R has the meaning defined in Claim 1; and R in each of the formulae is identical. The composition of any one of the claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein R is ethyl. The composition of any one of the claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein R is propyl. The composition of any one of the claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein R is 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl. The composition of any one of the claims 1, 2 or 3, further comprising an inert carrier for said compounds. The composition of any one of the claims 1,2 or 3, further comprising a control agent for the Mediterranean Fruit Fly. The composition of claim 8, wherein the control agent is an insecticide. A method of attracting the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, comprising the step of subjecting the fly for an extended period of time to a composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5.

Inventors: CUNNINGHAM ROY T, MCGOVERN TERRENCE P, CUNNINGHAM, ROY T, MCGOVERN, TERRENCE P
Applicants: US COMMERCE
Application year: 1989
Main classification: A01N37
IPC codes: C07C61, A01N37