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Abstract

Compositions and methods for attracting, killing, and/or neutering populations of boll weevils and other insects which spend the winter in areas with thick vegetation are disclosed. With respect to boll weevils, certain plant compounds, when presented along with Grandlure, the synthetic pheromone of the cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis Boh.), increase the capture of boll weevils by as much as 50% as compared to Grandlure alone. The compounds, beta-caryophyllene, eugenol and myrcene, are among those present in leaves in overwintering sites favored by boll weevils. With respect to controlling boll weevil populations, the compounds can be used alone, in combination with Grandlure, and/or in combination with compounds which are toxic to boll weevils or which inhibit their ability to develop normally or reproduce. With respect to controlling other overwintering insects, appropriate compounds can be identified from the leaf litter surrounding their overwintering sites, and pheromones for the insects are generally known. The compounds can be used in traps, or formulated into polymeric controlled release formulations, along with the Grandlure and/or toxicants, insect growth regulators or insect sterilants.

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