How does methyl eugenol work as fruit fly attractant?

Researchs show that male oriental fruit flies (Bactrocera dorsalis) are highly attracted to the host plant volatile compound methyl eugenol (ME), which enhances the attractiveness of male leks to females. Additionally, through digestion, male flies convert ME to (E)-coniferyl alcohol, a compound that enhances the attractiveness of their leks to females. This increased attractiveness allows females to select optimal mates, thereby enhancing their reproductive success.

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