SEX-PHEROMONE OF THE AMERICAN COCKROACH - BEHAVIORAL-STUDY OF ANALOGS

Behavioural bioassay of periplanone A and B, the main components of th e American cockroach sex pheromone, and nine synthetic analogs of the periplanones was carried out. Seven periplanone analogs elicited wing- raising behaviour. The attractivity curves showed that the two out of nine analogs could be classified as PA-like substances, and four - as PB-like. The study of mutual influence of periplanones on perception o f each other showed that PA facilitated responses to Pa and PB, but PB adapted PA and PB responses. When in mixture, PA and PB displayed a s ynergic effect. Three synthetic analogs affected PA and PB perception. One of the substances (No 8) sensibilized PB perception, the second ( No 4) sensibilized PB perception, and the third (No 1) adapted PA resp onses.