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The origin of phenolic tsetse attractants from host urine: Studies on the pro-attractants and microbes involved

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2011

Matilda Okech
Affiliation:
The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P. O. Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya
Ahmed Hassanali
Affiliation:
The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P. O. Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya
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Abstract

Phenolic tsetse attractants in host urine were shown to form gradually from proattractants identified as a mixture of glucuronates and sulphates. The breakdown of proattractants is predominantly due to microbial activity. Of the eight bacteria isolated from buffalo urine three have demonstrated varying ability to give rise to free phenols the formation of which was monitored by observing the build-up of 4-cresol by means of gas chromatography. These observations may provide a useful biotechnological model for controlled release of these semiochemicals in the field.

Résumé

Il été montre que les substances phénoliques attractives du tsetse, qui sont contenues dans les urines de l'hôte, se forment de façon graduelle à partir de substances pro-attractives identifiés comme étant un mèlange de glucuronates et de sulfates. La decomposition de ces substances pro-attractives est principalement due a une activité microbienne.

Trois bacteries sur les huit isolées des urines du bufle ont montré des capacités variées à engendrer des phénols libres. La formation de cephenols libres a été enregistrée en observant le dévélopement du 4-cresol a l'alde de la chromotographie gazeuse.

Ces observations peuvent constituer un modèle biotechnologique utile pour la liberation controlée de produits semi-chimiques sur le terrain.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 1990

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References

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