Biobased Semiochemical Production From a New American Industrial Oil Crop

Semiochemicals, especially pheromones, are of critical importance to integrated pest and vector management. Some pheromones, however, are too expensive, costing over $50,000/kg. This makes them far too costly for many control agencies to use in aggressive management regimes, as the required quantities for effective formulations are high. The development of a synthetic process to convert low cost biomaterials into high value semiochemicals would be beneficial to several markets, including agriculture and vector management.The identification of a under utilized seed oil crop, Meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba), as a starting material for semiochemicals was the first step towards developing this synthetic pathway. Meadowfoam oil contains high percentages of 20- and 22-carbon chain fatty acids in addition to a Z-5-carboxylate moiety, both extremely rare in nature. Making it the perfect starting material for the synthesis of variety semiochemicals. The novel synthetic pathways we propose to develop will transform the $10/kg meadowfoam oil into high demand, high value, semiochemical components. Using meadowfoam oil will reduce the cost of pheromone manufacturing, resulting in downstream cost reductions to end users, allowing for integrated pest and vector management solutions for the control of a variety of important insects pests. Additionally, meadowfoam as a renewable crop is a 'greener' alternative to petroleum based products and will allow the meadowfoam industry to grow substantially.