Abstract
Biotransformation of geraniol by the common cutworm (Spodoptera litura) larvae was investigated. Geraniol was mixed in an artificial diet, and the diet was fed to the larvae (fourth-fifth instar) of S. litura. Geraniol was transformed to 8-hydroxygeraniol, 9-hydroxygeraniol, (2E,6E)-8-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienoic acid, (2E,6E)-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene-1,8-dioic acid and (2E,6Z)-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene-1,9-dioic acid. Geraniol was preferentially oxidized at the allylic methyl group and primary alcohol by S. litura larvae.
