Green leaf volatiles as inhibitors of bark beetle aggregation pheromones

Abstract

A composition for preventing or limiting the attack and infestation of trees by pine bark beetles, by inhibiting the response of the beetles to their aggregation pheromones. The composition comprises a green leaf volatile selected from six carbon alcohols, aldehydes, their derivatives such as acetates, and mixtures thereof. The green leaf volatile may be employed alone or in combination with an additional, known inhibitor of the pheromone response of the beetle.