Functional compounds from the integument of adult red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus

This study deals with the analysis of the integument of the red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus of both sexes using the GC-MS technique. The results of the study revealed many promising compounds. These include aspidofractinine-3-methanol (kopsinyl alcohol) which was found in the acetone extract of the sternum of females, and 3-buten-2-ol (32-B) which was found in the extracts of sternum and tergum of males. This compound the aggregation pheromone was secreted by males. Additionally, compounds with methoxy groups were found. These may be responsible for insects' resistance. This study, through separation and identification of these compounds, aims to open a new possibility for their future medical and therapeutic usage. (C) 2013 Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.