The reproductive success of A edes aegypti (L.) ( D iptera: C ulicidae) is strongly dependent on the availability of carbohydrates in the environment and the ability of the mosquitoes to locate them. The most significant source of carbohydrates for mosquitoes is nectar from flowering plants, which mosquitoes locate by their volatile compounds. The aim of our work was to identify plant volatile compounds that elicit a behavioral response in A e. aegypti , which may be included in a mosquito trap for surveillance and/or control purposes. Landing‐preference bioassays were performed with plants of three species— P lectranthus neochilus S chltr. ( L amiaceae), T agetes patula L. ( A steraceae), and L obularia maritima (L.) D esv. ( B rassicaceae)—as lures and toxic sugar baits as landing markers. Mosquitoes landed only on L . maritima . Freshly cut inflorescences of L . maritima elicited a positive flight response in both sexes of mosquitoes. The analysis of the compounds in the static head space of L . maritima was performed by solid phase microextraction ( SPME ). Of the single volatile compounds tested, acetophenone was attractive and 1‐octanol caused a flight aversive response. These findings are relevant as there are no reported plant‐derived compounds attractive to A . aegypti . As both the male and female mosquitoes sugar feed, traps baited with plant odors are able to lure the whole adult population, making it an interesting option for including in future mosquito surveillance traps.

Megaplatypus mutatus (=Platypus mutatus), an Ambrosia beetle (Platypodidae) native to South America, is a main forest pest that attacks live standing trees, affecting commercial poplar and other broadleaf plantations. The attack is initiated by pioneer males selecting a host tree to build a short nuptial gallery, from which they attract females using a sexual pheromone composed mainly by (+) 6 - methyl-5-hepten-2-ol ((+)-sulcatol) and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one (sulcatone). Following copulation, they extend their gallery in order to lodge their new breed. These galleries weaken the trunks of trees, causing them to break under extreme stress. Additionally, the quality of the wood is seriously affected by the dark stained tunnels of decayed wood caused by the Ambrosia mycelium of the associated symbiotic fungi Raffaellea santoroi. M. mutatus has been accidentally introduced in Italy in 1998 detected in Populus canadensis in the Caserta province in the Campania region. The risk of dispersion and potential damages are of big concern for local and European authorities who recommended regulating it as a quarantine pest in 2007. The development of traps baited with synthetic pheromones for the management of M. mutatus in infested poplar plantations is an important goal for control and surveillance programs both in Europe and in Argentina. In the present study, we determined the sites of production of the pheromones within males and the temporal pattern of pheromone emission during gallery initiation and establishment. (+)-Sulcatol and sulcatone were found only in the proctodeum. Sulcatol production was detected 1-2 days after gallery initiation with maximal production between 5- 12 days. Sulcatone production was noted during the same period although only in trace quantities. We collected male volatile emissions during the hours of peak flight by using a specific polar microextraction phase and the extract was analyzed by GC-MS. (+)-Sulcatol and sulcatone were noted in pheromone emissions from males on three different host species, between 2 -12 days post gallery initiation until day 51; sulcatone always in lower amounts. The temporal patterns of sulcatol and sulcatone within male M. mutatus correspond to the temporal patterns of emission. With basis on the proportions of (+)-sulcatol and sulcatone obtained from the emissions, a field trial were performed in a commercial poplar (Populus x canadensis) plantation located in Alberti, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina with pheromone traps baited with a fixed proportion of the two components but different release rates in order to maximize beetles catches.

The repetitive and inadequate application of pediculicidal products frequently results in the development of resistance to these compounds. Essential oils are a promising alternative to synthetic insecticides, although their mode of action remains to be explored. It has been proposed that one possible target of the essential oils is the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The role of monoterpenoids as possible AChE inhibitors and their relationship with the toxicity was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of electric eel AChE activity showed that the most effective inhibitor was 1,8-cineole with IC50 6 x 10(-3) M. The inhibition of AChE activity of head louse homogenate by 1,8-cineole showed IC50 7.7 x 10(-2) M. The intoxication symptoms of head lice exposed to vapors of 1,8-cineole was recorded before the in vivo head louse AChE inhibition assay. No correlation was found between neurotoxic symptoms and inhibition of AChE activity. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Volatile emissions of adult male Triatoma infestans were collected on non-polar SPME fibers and analyzed by gas chromatography linked to a mass spectrometer. A complex mixture of 16 short-chain esters and acids were identified. The composition of short-chain aliphatic acids (ethanoic to nonanoic acids) was similar to previously reported results. The most abundant aliphatic acid was 2-methylpropanoic acid, constituting 18% of the total volatile content. Also abundant were the esters 2- and 3-methylbutyl 2-methylpropanoate, which constituted 30% and 22%, respectively, of the total volatile content. A similar pattern of compounds was observed in the volatiles secreted by dissected male Brindley's glands; however, in this case, 2- and 3-methylbutan-1-ol were detected which were not found in live insect volatile emissions. Large variability in volatile composition was also observed among the glands excised from different insects. Electroantennographic (EAG) evaluation of the components of Brindley's gland showed significant responses for 2- and 3-methylbutyl 2-methylpropanoate compared to controls. The mixture of volatiles secreted by excised Brindley's glands and the isolated 2- and 3-methylbutyl 2-methylpropanoate had repellent effects on both male and female T. infestans, possibly associated with a defensive strategy.

New alternative insecticides are necessary for the chemical control of head lice. In this study the fumigant knockdown time 50% (KT50) and repellency index (RI) of three aliphatic lactones was compared with two essential oils and DDVP, against permethrin-resistance Pediculus humanus capitis from Argentina. In the fumigant assay, none of the lactones were effective compared to the highest activity of eucalyptus (KT50 15.53 m). In the repellency test, the three lactones were equally or more effective (RI ranging from 60.50 to 76.68) than the positive control (piperonal). These lactones are promising as head lice repellents.

We studied the profile of permethrin resistance in populations of head lice infesting children 6-12 yr old in schools and their homes in and around Buenos Aires, Argentina. Five permethrin-resistant populations with different levels of resistance were collected: Hogar Loyola (HL), Republica de Turquia (RT), Hogar Mitre (HM), Guardia de Honor (GH), and Ricardo Guiraldes (RG). One susceptible population, Bandera Argentina (BA), also was collected. Their level of resistance was evaluated, and results showed resistance ratios of 13 for HL, 16 for RT, 22 for HM, 61 for GH, and 69 for RG. To elucidate the possible involvement of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system in conferring permethrin resistance, ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase (ECOD) activity was measured in abdomens of individual third instars and adults by using a fluorometric assay. The ECOD activity was lower in the susceptible BA population (4.7 ng per louse) than in the resistant ones (13.7 ng per louse for RG, 12.3 ng per louse for GH, 8.6 ng per louse for RT, and 8.2 ng per louse for HL). ECOD activity was significantly correlated with the level of resistance in the field populations (r = 0.97, P = 0.0009), suggesting a role for cytochrome monooxygenase P450 system in permethrin resistance by head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer.

Methoprene, an insect growth regulator, was complexed with beta-cyclodextrin, yielding a stable inclusion complex. TGA, X-ray powder diffraction and conformational analysis have been used to confirm the nature of this inclusion complex. The interaction between methoprene and beta-cyclodextrin was investigated by means of Molecular Mechanics. The results account for the formation of a 1:1 inclusion complex stabilised by Van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds. The [methoprene-beta-cyclodextrin] complex included in smoke generating formulations and protected from thermal decomposition by the foaming agent azodicarbonamide was shown to be stable enough to release methoprene in fumes with good yields. The improved stabilty of the methoprene complex showed a correlation with increased biological activity against Musca domestica.

Topical application of 1-dodecanol was significantly more toxic against teneral first nymphs (1-3 h old) than post-teneral first nymphs (24 h old). The lethal dose ratios were 711,500 for Rhodnius prolixus and 3613 for Triatoma infestans. No significative difference between LD50 was found when 1-dodecanol was injected in recently hatched adult R. prolixus (1-4 h old) nor in older adults (24 h old). These values were similar to those calculated for deltamethrin (an effective triatomicide), showing that 1-dodecanol had no insecticidal properties when it was applied by injection. Topical application of high dose of 1-dodecanol (1 microg/i) on teneral first nymphs of R. prolixus, produced an interruption of the darkening process of the cuticle, and probably in the development of its physiological properties.

The behavioural responses of the haematophagous bug Triatoma infestans towards some previously identified components of its faeces: 4-methylquinazoline, 2,4- dimethylquinazoline and their mixtures were evaluated using a video tracking system. Fifth instar nymphs and females but not males were significantly attracted to polyethylene glycol formulations of 4-methyl + 2,4-dimethylquinazoline (50 μg each). Fifth instar nymphs were also attracted to 4-methylquinazoline alone (50 μg) but females were only attracted by the mixture of both methyl quinazolines (50 μg each). Syntheses of both methyl quinazolines were carried out starting from 2-aminoacetophenone by modifying the conditions of reported procedures.

We report here the identification and behavioral activity of volatile compounds emitted by male Platypus mutatus (=sulcatus) Chapuis while boring galleries in living poplar, Populus deltoides Marshall, trees. Headspace analysis using solid phase microextraction techniques showed the presence of 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-ol (sulcatol) and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one (sulcatone). Only one enantiomer of sulcatol, retusol, was found to be part of the volatile emission. Behavioral assays showed that females are more attracted than males to galleries with boring males inside. Both sulcatol and sulcatone elicited electroantennographic responses by female P. mutatus. Furthermore, behavioral bioassays showed that both sulcatol and sulcatone elicit behaviorally attractive responses by females. These results suggest that male P. mutatus releases a sex pheromone composed mainly of retusol and sulcatone.

Deltamethrin and other pyrethroids have been extensively used in Argentina since 1980, for the chemical control of Triatoma infestans Klug (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Recently, resistance to deltamethrin was detected in field populations by the survival of bugs exposed by topical application to the diagnostic dose estimated on the CIPEIN susceptible strain. Results of the current study showed low resistant ratios (RRs) to deltamethrin for the resistant populations (RR ranged from 2.0 for San Luis colony to 7.9 for Salta colony). Biochemical studies were made on the most resistant colony (Salta) and the susceptible strain (CIPEIN), in order to establish the importance of degradative mechanisms as a cause of the detected resistance. Esterase activity was measured on 3 days old first instars through phenylthioacetate and a-naphtyl acetate activities. The results showed a significant difference in no cholinesterase esterase activity from susceptible (7.6 +/- 0,7 micro M S./i.min.) and Salta resistant colony (9.5 +/- 0.8 microM S./i.min.). Cytochrome p450 mono-oxygenase (p450) activity was measured on individual insects through ethoxycoumarine deethylase (ECOD) activity using a fluorescence microplate reader. The dependence of ECOD activity on age and body region of the nymphs, and pH and time of incubation were studied in order to optimize the measurement. As a result, comparative studies were performed on abdomens of 2 days old first instars at pH 7.2 and 4 h incubation time. ECOD activity of first nymphs was significantly lower in the susceptible colony (61.3 +/- 9.08 pg ECOD/ insect) than in the resistant one (108.1+/- 5.7 pg ECOD/ insect). These results suggest that degradative esterases (no-cholinesterase) and mono-oxygenases cytochrome p450, play an important role in the resistance to deltamethrin in Salta colony from Argentina.

Previous results from laboratory and prefield assays obtained by our laboratory indicated that the fumigant canister CIPEIN PF-7 (Bolate) a smoke-generating formulation containing 5% beta-cypermethrin, has excellent performance as an adulticide for Aedes aegypti control. A field trial was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of CIPEIN PF-7 to control adult mosquitoes of Ae. aegypti inside houses. The trial was carried out in Colonia Delicia, a locality of 4,750 inhabitants, located in Misiones, a subtropical area in northeastern Argentina, an area highly infested with Ae. aegypti and at risk to dengue. One fumigant canister was applied in each house, which remained closed for 1 h and was then ventilated for 15 min by opening doors and windows. Taking into account the time spent in the fumigation activities, the rate of the treatment was around 20 houses per worker per day. Cages with adult mosquitoes and plastic cups with water containing mosquito larvae were put in various places of the houses. There was 100% initial mortality in each case after treatment with the fumigant canister. The residual effect showed 100% mortality of adults exposed 2 h for at least 3 days after treatment and 100% mortality of larvae 1 day after treatment. House and Breteau indices before the treatment were 51% and 106, respectively, falling to 23% and 44 after treatment. The potential for using this new tool in geographic areas very difficult to reach or as a quick alternative to control Ae. aegypti inside the houses, especially during dengue epidemics, is discussed.

The stability to heart of cis-permethrin and beta-cypermethrin in the solid phase was studied and the decomposition products identified. Samples heated at 210 degrees C in an oven in the dark showed that, in the absence of potassium chlorate (the salt present in smoke-generating formulations of these pyrethroids), cis-permethrin was not isomerized, although in the presence of that salt, decomposition was greater and thermal isomerization occurred. Other salts of the type KXO3 or NaXO3, with X being halogen or nitrogen, also led to a considerable thermal isomerization. Heating the insecticides in solution in the presence of potassium chlorate did not produce isomerization in any of the solvents assayed. Salt-catalysed thermal cis-trans isomerization was also found for other pyrethroids derived from permethrinic or deltamethrinic acid but not for those derived from chrysanthemic acid. The main thermal degradation processes of cis-permethrin and beta-cypermethrin decomposition when potassium chlorate was present were cyclopropane isomerization, ester cleavage and subsequent oxidation of the resulting products. Permethrinic acid, 3-phenoxybenzyle chloride, alcohol, aldehyde and acid were identified in both cases, as well as 3-phenoxybenzyl cyanide from beta-cypermethrin. A similar decomposition pattern occurred after combustion of pyrethroid fumigant formulations.

Biological effects on Tribolium castaneum larvae were evaluated for three withanolides isolated from Salpichroa origanifolia (Solanaceae), (20S,22R,24S,25S,26R)-5alpha,6alpha:22,26:24,25-triepoxy-26-hydroxy-17(13-->18)-abeo-ergosta-2,13,15,17-tetraen-1-one (salpichrolide A, 1), (20S,22R,24S,25S,26R)-22,26:24,25-diepoxy-5alpha,6beta,26-trihydroxy-17(13-->18)-abeo-ergosta-2,13,15,17-tetraen-1-one (salpichrolide C, 2), and (20S,22R,24S,25S,26R)-5alpha,6alpha:22,26:24,25-triepoxy-15,26-dihydroxy-17(13-->18)-abeo-ergosta-2,13,15,17-tetraen-1-one (salpichrolide G, 3), and for several chemically modified analogues. The compounds were incorporated into the larval diet at concentrations of 500 and 2000 ppm. Salpichrolide C (2) produced a significant delay in the development of neonate larvae to adults at the highest concentration (2000 ppm); development delays and lethal effects were produced by salpichrolides A (1) and G (3) at both concentrations assayed. The size of surviving adults was used as a criterion for assessing feedant deterrent effects; the results suggest that these compounds act as feeding inhibitors. Influence of chemical modifications in development delay was analyzed.

The antifeedant effect of several salpichrolides on larvae of Musca domestica was investigated. Three naturally occurring compounds, salpichrolide A (1), salpichrolide C (2), and salpichrolide G (3), previously isolated from Salpichroa origanifolia, and two known (4, 6) and three new (5, 7, 8) synthetic analogues were tested. The maximal effect on development was observed for salpichrolide A (1), while salpichrolide G (3) was the most toxic. The content of the salpichrolides in S. origanifolia was monitored by HPLC during plant development, reaching a maximum during summer.

Isomers of pyrethroids usually have different insecticidal activities. Permethrin, a non-cyano pyrethroid, is not an exception and cis-permethrin is much more active than the trans-isomer against Triatoma infestans, vector of Chagas' Disease in Argentina. The large-scale separation of cis-and trans-permethrin was performed by successive recrystallizations from ethanol-water mixtures. An aqueous suspension concentrate (flowable) formulation of pure crystalline cis-permethrin was prepared and assayed for its insecticidal activity on wood and ceramic surfaces against nymph V of T infestans. This formulation was at least three times more effective than deltamethrin, with LC50 values on ceramic of 0.11 mu gcm(-2) and 0.33 mu gcm(-2) respectively. On wood surfaces, the LC50 value was 0.57 mug cm(-2) compared with 3.20 mu gcm(-2) for deltamethrin. Against other insect species such as Periplaneta americana, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, the suspension concentrate formulation of cis-permethrin was, however, less effective than similar formulations of deltamethrin or beta -cypermethrin. (C) 2000 Society of Chemical Industry.

Smoke-generating insecticide formulations are nowadays very important for the control of Chagas' disease vectors. In this work, the thermal decomposition of different pyrethroid insecticides in smoke-generating formulations has been studied. Their recovery from the smoke has been determined, and the effect on this of the addition of foaming agents such as cyanoguanidine (CNG) or azodicarbonamide (ADC), or antioxidant agents such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) or butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) has been assessed. In each case the best smoke-generating formulation was established. Calorimetric studies were done to justify the behaviour of the smoke-generating mixtures. The isomerization process for different pyrethroids was also studied, to establish the influence of the foaming agents in inhibiting isomerization to less active pyrethroids. Smoke-generating mixtures containing β-cypermethrin and cis-permethrin as insecticides and CNG or ADC as foaming agents were evaluated for their insecticidal activity against nymphs I of Triatoma infestans, vector of Chagas' disease. The best effect was found with β-cypermethrin formulated with ADC, with LT50 values lower than 5 min. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry

A series of methyl esters of N-substituted (Z)- and (E)-maleamic acids were synthesized and their effect on food intake measured on fifth-instar nymphs of Triatoma infestans. Suppression of food intake was found only for the (Z)-isomers. The initial reaction rate of the synthesized compounds with glutathione (GSH) was calculated from the reaction in vitro of the (Z)-isomers. No reaction was observed with the (E)-isomers. Good correlation between the suppression of food intake, measured by its ED50 (effective dose that inhibited feeding of 50% of the population) and the initial reaction rate with GSH and the hydrophobic parameter π, was found. © of SCI.

The butyl ester of buthionine sulfoximine (BBSO) applied topically to the nymph V stage of Triatoma infestans (Klug) caused glutathione depletion which was maintained for four days after treatment. Topical pre-treatment of nymph V with BBSO significantly synergised the toxicity of DDT and fenitrothion to T. infestans.