Phenylpropanoids in the fragrance of the fruit fly orchid, Bulbophyllum cheiri, and their relationship to the pollinator, Bactrocera papayae

Flowers of a southeast Asian orchid, Bulbophyllum cheiri, attract males of Bactrocera papayae and other fruit fly species sensitive to methyl eugenol for pollination. In addition to the major attractive component methyl eugenol, several other related phenylpropanoids were identified as minor components from the floral extracts. 2-Allyl-4,5-dimethoxyphenol, known as an element of sex and aggregation pheromone of B. papayae males was detected as a significant volatile ingredient together with its O-methyl ether (euasarone). The attractancy of each floral component and efficiency of incorporation of these phenylpropanoids into the rectal pheromone glands were examined in B. papayae males. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.