e-ISSN 2231-8542
ISSN 1511-3701
N.H. Lajis, M.Y. Hussein and R.F. Toia
Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science, Volume 8, Issue 1, April 1985
Keywords: Elaeis guineensis; Elaeidobius kemerunicus
Published on:
The main compound contained in the volatile oils of the oil palm flowers was identified as l-methoxy-4 (2-propenyl) benzene or estragole. The same compound was extracted from the anthesizing male and female flowers of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis). The newly identified compound is believed to be responsible for attracting the adults of the oil palm pollinating weevil, Elaeidobius kemerunicus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Steam distillation of 1 kg of fresh male and female flowers yielded 0.7g and 0.2g of volatile oils. The chemical structure and characteristics were confirmed by mass spectrometric analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, and the infrared spectra analysis. The possible usage of the compound in ecological research on the weevil and in the industry, are discussed.
ISSN 1511-3701
e-ISSN 2231-8542