Biotransformation of (−)-Dihydromyrcenol and (−)-Dihydromyrcenyl Acetate by the Larvae of Common Cutworm (Spodoptera litura)

Abstract

(−)-Dihydromyrcenol and (−)-dihydromyrcenyl acetate were mixed in an artificial diet at a concentration of 1 mg/g of diet, and the diet was fed to the last instar larvae of common cutworm (Spodoptera litura). Metabolites were recovered from frass and analyzed spectroscopically. (−)-Dihydromyrcenol was transformed mainly to 1,2-epoxy dihydromyrcenol. (−)-Dihydromyrcenyl acetate was transformed mainly to 1,2-dihydroxydihydromyrcenyl acetate. The 1,2-doubule bonds of (−)-dihydromyrcenol and (−)-dihydromyrcenyl acetate were thus oxidized.