EFFECT OF THE COMPONENTS OF THE NASONOV PHEROMONE ON ITS RELEASE BY HONEYBEES AT THE HIVE ENTRANCE
Author(s)
J. B. FREE, A. W. FERGUSON AND J. A. PICKETT
Abstract
Synthetic (E)-citral, geraniol, nerolic acid and geranic acid components of the Nasonov gland pheromone induce worker honeybees (Apis mellifera) to release Nasonov pheromone at their hive entrance. Mixtures lacking anyone of these 4 components stimulated pheromone release less effectively, but absence of neroI or (E,E)-farnesol increased effectiveness. The implication of these results for the development of a lure to attract honeybee swarms is discussed.
