Behavioral and Sublethal Effects of Structurally Related Lower Terpenes onMyzus persicae

The sesquiterpenes farnesol, caryophyllene oxide, and 2,10-bisaboladien-1-one (patent #9602748) and the monoterpenes citronellol and geraniol were tested for settling inhibition and chronic effects on the aphidMyzus persicae by means of an improved leaf-disk assay. Of these compounds, geraniol, famesol, and the natural bisabolene significantly inhibit settling in choice tests. Furthermore, application of the bisabolene to intactCapsicum annuum leaves did not cause phytotoxicity, but did affect the insects' probing behavior by decreasing the probing activity and the number of intracellular punctures. Both compounds significantly decreased offspring production. Of the compounds tested, the natural product bisabolene could be a promising lead for future development of aphid control agents.