Stripped corn oil controls scald and maintains volatile production potential in golden supreme and delicious apples

Effects of stripped (alpha-tocopherol < 5 mg L(-)(1)) corn oil on flesh firmness, skin color, acidity, soluble solids content (SSC), scald, and fruit volatiles during 6 months at 0 degrees C were studied using Golden Supreme and Delicious apples. Treatment with 10% oil emulsion reduced production of ethylene, alpha-farnesene, and major volatile esters in the first 3 months of storage, but this trend reversed after 5 months. After 6 months at 0 degrees C plus 7 days at 20 degrees C, oil-treated fruit were firmer and greener and had higher levels of titratable acidity than the controls. In addition, control fruit developed 27% and 42% scald in Golden Supreme and Delicious apples, respectively, whereas oil-treated fruit were free from scald. Soluble solids content and ethanol production were unaffected by oil treatment.     

Effect of 1-methylcyclopropene on volatile emission and aroma in cv. Anna apples

The rapidly ripening summer apple cultivar Anna was treated with 0.1 micro L(-1) and 1 microL L(-1) 1-methylcyclopropene (MCP) at harvest and kept at 20 degrees C, or stored for 5 weeks at 0 degrees C and then transferred to 20 degrees C. Total volatiles were not reduced by treatment with 0.1 microL L(-1) MCP, but were 70% lower in fruits treated with 1 microL L(-1) MCP than in untreated fruits. Ethylene production was 50% and 95% inhibited by 0.1 microL L(-1) and 1 microL L(-1) MCP, respectively. The volatiles produced by fruit at harvest were predominantly aldehydes and alcohols, with some acetate esters as well as 2-methyl butyl acetate and beta-damascenone. During ripening, the acetate and butyrate esters increased greatly and alcohols and aldehydes decreased. MCP-treated apples retained more alcohols, aldehydes, and beta-damascenone volatiles than did untreated apples. Sensory evaluation found that control and 0.1 microL L(-1) treated apples developed more fruity, ripe, and overall aromas, but the preference was for the 1 microL L(-1) treated apples with a less ripe aroma.     

Pathway analysis of branched-chain ester biosynthesis in apple using deuterium labeling and enantioselective gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

The biosynthesis of volatile esters by Red Delicious apples was investigated by incubating fruit tissue with deuterated flavor precursors at various times after controlled atmosphere (CA) storage and measuring deuterium incorporation into branched-chain ester volatiles. 2-Methylbutyl acetate was the only volatile not significantly reduced by CA storage. Conversion of 2-methylbutanol to 2-methylbutyl acetate and of 2-methylbutanoic acid to ethyl 2-methylbutanoate and to hexyl 2-methylbutanoate was limited by the availability of 2-methylbutyl substrates but not by acetyl-CoA, ethanol, or hexanol, respectively. The enzymatic activity required for these reactions declined during CA storage. The conversion of 2-methylbutanoic acid to 2-methylbutanol was also substrate limited, but enzymic activity appeared stable in storage. Biosynthesis of both 2-methylbutanoic acid and 2-methylbutanol, from isoleucine, was severely depressed under CA storage. The reduced metabolism of isoleucine to 2-methylbutanoyl-CoA may be the primary reason for reduced branched-chain ester synthesis in CA-stored Red Delicious apples. Enantioselective gas chromatography-mass spectrometry confirmed that the chirality of (S)-2-methylbutyl acetate derives from l-isoleucine with the other enzymes in this pathway not being enantiospecific. Treatment of tissue samples with 2-methylbut-2E-enal gave only (S)-2-methylbutyl acetate, indicating that biosynthesis was not via tiglyl-CoA.     

Preharvest calcium sprays improve volatile emission at commercial harvest of 'Fuji Kiku-8' apples

Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) fruit intended for long-term storage are frequently harvested commercially before becoming fully ripe, often resulting in poor aroma development. Since postharvest calcium dips have proved effective for the enhancement of flavor-related volatile esters after cold storage of apples, this study was undertaken in order to assess whether preharvest calcium sprays (7 weekly applications at 1.6%, w/v, 81-123 days after full bloom) could also aid in improving this important attribute at harvest. This procedure significantly increased calcium content in treated fruit. The emission of aroma-related volatile esters by untreated and calcium-treated 'Fuji' apples was then monitored during maturation and ripening over two months prior to commercial harvest. Results indicate that most of the compounds contributing to overall flavor in ripe fruit were enhanced in response to preharvest calcium applications, suggesting that this procedure may be suitable for the improvement of fruit aroma at harvest. The emission of acetate esters was particularly favored, consistent with higher acetaldehyde contents in treated fruit. These effects arose apparently from increased pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activities, possibly leading to a better supply of alcohols and acyl CoAs for ester biosynthesis.     

Biosynthesis of straight-chain ester volatiles in red delicious and granny smith apples using deuterium-labeled precursors.

Biosynthesis of straight-chain ester volatiles by Granny Smith and Red Delicious apples was investigated using deuterium-labeled fatty acids, C-6 aldehydes, and alcohols. Perdeuterated saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were metabolized to hexyl-d(11), hexanoate-d(11), heptanoate-d(13), and octanoate-d(15) esters, whereas perdeuterated linoleic acid produced only hexyl-d(11) and hexanoate-d(11) esters. Exposure of fruit to vapors of deuterated 3Z-hexenal, 2E-hexenal, and hexanal identified the following biosynthetic processes: (1) isomerization between 3E, 3Z, and 2E-hexenals; (2) reduction to 3E, 3Z, and 2E-hexenyl esters; (3) reduction to hexanol and hexyl esters; (4) oxidation to hexanoic acid and formation of hexanoate esters; (5) beta-oxidation of hexanoic acid leading to butyl and butanoate esters; and (6) alpha-oxidation of hexanoic acid leading to pentyl and pentanoate esters. Unsaturated straight-chain ester volatiles appear to arise only by the lipoxygenase pathway and may be useful indicators of lipoxygenase activity in fruit.     

Loss of ripening capacity of pawpaw fruit with extended cold storage

The fruit ripening traits of pawpaw [ Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal] were examined after harvest and after cold storage at -2, 2, 4, and 6 degrees C for up to 12 weeks. Generally, fruits stored at 2-4 degrees C for 4 weeks ripened normally, but those stored at -2 degrees C did not ripen normally, those stored at 6 degrees C were overripe, and by 6-8 weeks those stored at 2-4 degrees C had a lower respiration rate and ethylene production, lower firmness, and lower pH than fruit cold-stored for 4 weeks or less. These changes, and the occasional development of brown discoloration in the pulp once the fruits were moved back to room temperature, were evidence of chilling injury by 6 weeks. After harvest and through 4 weeks of cold storage, the main volatile compounds produced by fruit were methyl and ethyl octanoates and hexanoates. Volatile production significantly increased >5-fold in fruit ripened for 72 h after harvest or after removal from up to 4 weeks of cold storage. Fruit cold-stored for 6 weeks or more produced fewer total volatiles and esters but increased levels of such off-flavor compounds as ethyl acetate, ethyl propionate, and hexanoic and decanoic acids. Alcohol acyltransferase (AAT) activity declined in cold-stored fruit but was not correlated with either total volatile production or total ester production. Alcohol dehydrogenase activity did not change during ripening after harvest or cold storage. Lipoxygenase activity was highest just after harvest or after 2 weeks of cold storage, but was low by 4 weeks. Thus, ripening of pawpaw fruit seems to be limited to 4 weeks at 2-4 degrees C with loss of ability to continue ripening and chilling injury symptoms evident at colder temperatures and after longer periods of cold storage.     

Oxidation products of alpha-farnesene associated with superficial scald development in d'Anjou pear fruits are conjugated trienols

Conjugated triene (CT) oxidation products of the acyclic sesquiterpene (E,E)-alpha-farnesene are thought to induce development of the physiological storage disorder superficial scald in apple and pear fruits of susceptible cultivars. CTs that accumulate in peel tissues of Granny Smith and Delicious apples after several weeks of cold storage are known to be conjugated trienols (CTols) rather than the corresponding hydroperoxides produced by in vitro autoxidation of alpha-farnesene. Here, it is shown that CTols are also the predominant in vivo oxidation products of alpha-farnesene in cold-stored pear fruit of the highly scald-susceptible d'Anjou cultivar. Analysis by octadecylsilane reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection, gas chromatography with flame ionization detection, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy identified 3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-1,3(E),5(E),10-tetraen-7-ol as the major CT in hexane extracts of peel tissue from d'Anjou pears stored for 3-5 months in air at -1 degrees C. The possible origins of CTols in apples and pears and the hypothesized role of these oxidation products of alpha-farnesene in the induction of scald are discussed. .     

Plant odor analysis of apple: antennal response of codling moth females to apple volatiles during phenological development

Volatile compounds were collected from apple branches (Malus domestica) at different developmental stages, and the antennal response of codling moth females (Cydia pomonella) to these compounds was recorded by electroantennography coupled to gas chromatography. Presence of a range of terpenoid compounds, many of which had antennal activity, was characteristic for volatile collections from branches with leaves, and from small green apples. Nine compounds from branches with leaves and green fruit consistently elicited an antennal response: methyl salicylate, (E)-beta-farnesene, beta-caryophyllene, 4,8-dimethyl-1,3(E),7-nonatriene, (Z)3-hexenol, (Z,E)-alpha-farnesene, linalool, germacrene D, and (E,E)-alpha-farnesene. The bouquet emitted from flowering branches contained in addition several benzenoid compounds which were not found after bloom. Small green apples, which are the main target of codling moth oviposition during the first seasonal flight period, released very few esters. In comparison, fully grown apples released a large number of esters, but fewer terpenoids. The study of apple volatiles eliciting an antennal response, together with a survey of the seasonal change in the release of these compounds, is the first step toward the identification of volatiles mediating host-finding and oviposition in codling moth females.     

Volatile response of four apple varieties with different coatings during marketing at room temperature

Five experimental coatings with different resistance to gas exchange were used with freshly harvested and 20-week commercially stored apples of Delicious, Fuji, Braeburn, and Granny Smith varieties. The coated or noncoated apples were held at 20 degrees C for up to 4 weeks. The gas partial pressures inside the fruits with the various coatings ranged from 1 to 25 kPa CO(2) and from 20 to 1 kPa O(2). Volatile evaporation rates were measured, as also were the volatiles compositions in the fruit. The coatings with intermediate gas resistance (carnauba-shellac mixture and candelilla) gave intermediate values of CO(2) and O(2) in the internal atmosphere in Delicious, Fuji, and Braeburn apples and the highest concentrations of butyl acetate and 2-methylbutyl acetate in the fruits. The coatings with the highest gas resistance (shellac and shellac-protein) caused high internal CO(2) and low O(2), resulting in anaerobic fermentation in Braeburn and Granny Smith apples and relatively high amounts of low-molecular-weight ethyl esters trapped within the fruit. A small portion of the alcohols were evaporated from fruits compared to esters, this attributed to their high Henry's law coefficients.     

低温贮藏对美味猕猴桃布鲁诺果实主要挥发性物质和脂肪酸代谢的影响

为探讨贮藏温度对美味猕猴桃果实风味品质的影响,将猕猴桃布鲁诺果实贮藏于常温(20±0.5℃)、低温(1±0.5℃)下,采用气相色谱-质谱联用(GC-MS)测定猕猴桃果实常温和低温贮藏后主要挥发性成分的种类和含量变化;同时,分析果实挥发性成分合成的脂肪酸代谢途径底物(亚麻酸、亚油酸)含量、关键酶活性及其基因表达量的变化。结果表明,与常温相比,低温贮藏降低了猕猴桃果实中酯类物质的种类和相对含量,保持较高醛酮类物质种类和相对含量;常温贮藏下猕猴桃果实风味物质随贮藏时间变化明显,而低温则能够较好维持猕猴桃果实的特征风味。与常温贮藏相比,低温贮藏抑制了脂肪酸代谢中脂氧合酶(LOX)、脂氢过氧化物裂解酶(HPL)、乙醇脱氢酶(ADH)以及醇酰基转移酶(AAT)等关键酶活性及其基因的表达,降低了果实亚油酸和亚麻酸的分解,通过脂肪酸代谢途径合成的酯类物质也因此有所降低。本研究为低温贮藏调控猕猴桃果实风味物质合成及维持猕猴桃果实特征风味提供了理论依据。     

Influence of the addition of raspberry seed extract on changes in the volatile pattern of stored model breakfast cereal

Laboratory-prepared muesli-type breakfast cereal (mixture of oat flakes, wheat flakes, corn flakes, hazelnuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds) was subjected to accelerated storage test at 60 degrees C with or without the addition of red raspberry seed extract. The oxidative changes in muesli resulting in the formation of secondary oxidation products were evaluated using solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) to isolate volatiles and GC-MS and chromatography-olfactometry to quantify them and determine the key odorants. During 14 days of storage the total amount of volatile compounds changed from 1.0 mg/kg, in freshly prepared muesli, to 32 mg/kg after storage. The predominant compound was hexanal; its content during storage increased 20-fold, reaching 17 mg/kg. Red raspberry seed extract addition limited the rate of lipid oxidation, and the total amount of volatiles was estimated at 11 mg/kg and that of hexanal at almost 5 mg/kg. An elevated temperature of the storage test also influenced the crucial flavor compounds determined using aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). The flavor dilution factor (FD) values for volatile lipid oxidation products were lower in samples with red raspberry seed extract added.     

弱光条件下光质和光周期对水培生菜生长与品质的影响

在弱光条件的人工光植物生长室中,设置两种不同红蓝光比例光质和两种不同光周期,水培盆栽红叶生菜（R）、绿叶生菜（G）和紫叶生菜（P）,采收后测定3种生菜的生物量指标以及抗氧化物、可溶性糖等营养品质指标,以研究弱光条件下光质和光周期对3种叶色水培生菜产量和品质的影响。结果表明：（1）生菜产量主要受光周期影响,营养品质指标受光质和光周期的综合影响。光照时间延长显著增加了3种生菜叶面积。绿叶生菜和红叶生菜单位叶面积鲜重在不同光质及光周期下无显著差异。紫叶生菜单位叶面积鲜重对光周期变化的反应则因光质环境而异。延长光周期使3种叶色生菜地上部鲜重提高一倍多,但3种生菜地上部鲜重受光质影响不显著。（2）延长光照时长对3种生菜营养品质的影响因光质而异。在红蓝1:2光质下,延长光照时长降低了绿叶生菜总酚和类黄酮相对含量以及抗坏血酸和可溶性蛋白含量,提高了红叶生菜花青素和可溶性糖含量,但降低了抗坏血酸和可溶性蛋白含量,紫叶生菜总酚相对含量得到提高,但抗坏血酸含量显著降低。在红蓝2:1光质下,延长光照时长显著提高了绿叶生菜总酚和类黄酮相对含量,抗坏血酸含量有所降低,红叶生菜总酚和类黄酮相对含量、抗坏血酸、可溶性糖和可溶性蛋白含量均显著降低,紫叶生菜总酚含量显著提高。说明在弱光条件下延长光照时长可以显著提高3种不同叶色生菜产量。在红蓝1:2光质下,延长光照时长使红叶生菜的花青素含量和可溶性糖含量得到显著提高。在红蓝2:1光质下,延长光照时长可以提高绿叶生菜和紫叶生菜营养品质。     

Effect of ripeness and postharvest storage on the phenolic profiles of Cherries (Prunus avium L.)

The phenolic compounds hydroxycinnamates, anthocyanins, flavonols, and flavan-3-ols of sweet cherry cultivars Burlat, Saco, Summit, and Van harvested in 2001 and 2002 were quantified by HPLC-DAD. Phenolics were analyzed at partially ripe and ripe stages and during storage at 15 +/- 5 degrees C (room temperature) and 1-2 degrees C (cool temperature). Neochlorogenic and p-coumaroylquinic acids were the main hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, but chlorogenic acid was also identified in all cultivars. The 3-glucoside and 3-rutinoside of cyanidin were the major anthocyanins. Peonidin and pelargonidin 3-rutinosides were the minor anthocyanins, and peonidin 3-glucoside was also present in cvs. Burlat and Van. Epicatechin was the main monomeric flavan-3-ol with catechin present in smaller amounts in all cultivars. The flavonol rutin was also detected. Cultivar Saco contained the highest amounts of phenolics [227 mg/100 g of fresh weight (fw)] and cv. Van the lowest (124 mg/100 g of fw). Phenolic acid contents generally decreased with storage at 1-2 degrees C and increased with storage at 15 +/- 5 degrees C. Anthocyanin levels increased at both storage temperatures. In cv. Van the anthocyanins increased up to 5-fold during storage at 15 +/- 5 degrees C (from 47 to 230 mg/100 g of fw). Flavonol and flavan-3-ol contents remained quite constant. For all cultivars the levels of phenolic acids were higher in 2001 and the anthocyanin levels were higher in 2002, which suggest a significant influence of climatic conditions on these compounds.     

LED蓝光对辣椒采后色泽及品质的影响

为探究LED蓝光处理对辣椒采后贮藏过程中品质的影响,采用强度为14 μmol·m^-2·s^-1的LED蓝光(470 nm),在温度25℃、相对湿度80%条件下,对采后新鲜绿辣椒和红辣椒分别进行蓝光照射、避光处理(对照组),测定贮藏过程中辣椒色泽、叶绿素含量、辣椒红素含量、辣椒碱含量、维生素C(Vc)含量和Ccs基因表达量等的变化。结果表明,与对照组相比,LED蓝光处理会加速绿辣椒退绿,使其叶绿素含量在第8天时降为初始值(0 d)的17%(P<0.01);LED蓝光处理可有效提高辣椒中辣椒红素的含量,红、绿辣椒中的辣椒红素含量在第8天时分别是对照组的1.60倍和5.59倍(P<0.01);LED蓝光处理可显著增加辣椒中辣椒碱含量,处理第8天时红、绿辣椒中的辣椒碱含量分别是对照组的1.53倍和1.85倍(P<0.01),Ccs基因的表达量分别为对照组的1.35倍和4.01倍(P<0.01)。此外,LED蓝光可促使辣椒中Vc含量显著升高,处理第8天时,红、绿辣椒中Vc含量分别为对照组的1.25倍和1.58倍(P<0.01)。综上,在采后贮藏过程中,LED蓝光照射可以加速绿辣椒退绿,并促使红、绿辣椒变红,显著提高辣椒红素、辣椒碱和Vc含量。本研究结果为LED蓝光在辣椒采后贮藏过程中品质保持,尤其是增加辣椒红素含量及改善辣椒色泽提供了新思路。     

Salicylic acid, ethephon, and methyl jasmonate enhance ester regeneration in 1-MCP-treated apple fruit after long-term cold storage

Volatile esters, primarily synthesized in peel tissues, are major aromatic components of apple fruits [Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill. var. domestica (Borkh.) Mansf.]. The use of cold storage combined with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment prolongs the life of apples but represses the regeneration of esters during poststorage ripening. In this study, the regeneration of total esters was significantly increased in apple fruits treated with salicylic acid (SA) and Ethephon (ETH) that had been treated once or twice with 1-MCP. However, methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment resulted in regeneration of total esters after a single 1-MCP treatment. To determine the mechanism by which SA, ETH, and MeJA regulate ester regeneration, the apple alcohol acyltransferase gene (MdAAT2) was investigated at the mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity levels. Genes associated with ethylene perception were also investigated by RT-PCR. The results suggest that MdAAT2 controls ester regeneration and that MdETR1 plays a key role in ethylene perception and regulation of downstream MdAAT2 gene expression during poststorage. Ester compounds and concentrations differed in peels treated with different signal molecules, indicating that regulation of the pathway upstream of straight-chain ester biosynthesis depended on the regulation of lipoxygenase (LOX) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity by SA, ETH, and MeJA during poststorage ripening.     

不同绿地类型下城市绿化树种BVOCs排放特征

[目的]探讨天津市绿化树种在不同绿地生境条件下植物源挥发性有机物(BVOCs)的排放特征,为城市园林绿地树种的筛选提供依据。[方法]采用动态顶空套袋法和热脱附—气相色谱/质谱联用技术,分析了不同绿地类型下对桧柏(Juniperus chinensis)、绦柳(Salix matsudana)、西府海棠(Malus micromalus)和国槐(Sophora japonica)4种城市常见绿化树种BVOCs排放特征。[结果](1)不同生境条件下桧柏、绦柳、西府海棠和国槐释放BVOCs数量和成分均不同。4种树种在滨水绿地、道路绿地、公园绿地和校园绿地4种不同绿地类型下分别共鉴定出69种、84种、20种和36种挥发性有机物。4种绿地类型下4种树木释放烯烃类物质的相对含量显著高于其他类型物质,且其相对含量均按道路绿地校园绿地公园绿地滨水绿地的顺序依次递减,而酯类和烷烃类物质恰与其相反,二者相对含量均在滨水绿地类型下显著较高。(2)绦柳释放的醇类和酮类物质与4种绿地类型下的光照强度,桧柏释放的烯烃类、烷烃类、醇类、酯类和酮类物质、西府海棠释放的烷烃类和酯类物质、国槐释放的烯烃类和酯类物质与4种绿地类型下的相对湿度,桧柏和绦柳释放的醇类和酮类物质、国槐释放的烯烃类物质与4种绿地类型下的温度分别呈显著相关。[结论]绿地生境条件的差异影响绿化树种排放BVOCs的成分和含量,且仅有部分类型挥发物与环境因子呈显著性相关。     

1-Methylcyclopropene interactions with diphenylamine on diphenylamine degradation, alpha-farnesene and conjugated trienol concentrations, and polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities in apple fruit

1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) is a new technology that is applied commercially to inhibit ethylene action in apple fruit, but its interactions with existing technologies such as diphenylamine (DPA) for control of superficial scald development in fruit during and after storage is unknown. To investigate possible interactions between 1-MCP and DPA, Delicious apples were untreated or treated with 2 g L(-1) DPA, and then with or without 1 microL L(-1) 1-MCP. Ethylene production and respiration rates of fruit were measured immediately following treatment, and fruit was stored at 0.5 degrees C for 12 weeks. Internal ethylene concentrations (IEC), alpha-farnesene and conjugated trienol (CTol) concentrations, activities of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and DPA levels in the skin of the fruit were measured at intervals during storage. 1-MCP reduced the rate of DPA loss from peel tissue so that by 12 weeks of storage concentrations of the chemical were 25% higher than in untreated fruit. 1-MCP, with and without DPA, markedly inhibited ethylene production and respiration rates, maintained low IEC and alpha-farnesene and CTol concentrations, while DPA had little effect on these factors except inhibition of CTol accumulation. Treatment effects on peroxidase and PPO activities were inconsistent.     

Changes in sugars,acids, and volatiles during ripening of koubo [Cereus peruvianus (L.) Miller] fruits

The columnar cactus Cereus peruvianus (L.) Miller, Cactaceae (koubo), is grown commercially in Israel. The unripe fruits are green, and the color changes to violet and then to red when the fruit is fully ripe. The content of soluble sugars was found to increase 5-fold during ripening. Glucose and fructose were the main sugars accumulated in the fruit pulp, and each increased from 0.5 to 5.5 g/100 g fresh weight during ripening. The polysaccharides content decreased during ripening from 1.4 to 0.4 g/100 g fresh weight. The titratable acidity decreased and the pH increased during ripening. The major organic acid found in the fruit was malic acid, which decreased from 0.75 g/100 g fresh weight at the mature green stage to 0.355 g/100 g fresh weight in ripe fruits. Citric, succinic, and oxalic acids were found in concentrations lower than 0.07 g/100 g fresh weight. Prominent accumulation of aroma volatiles occurred toward the end of the ripening process. The main volatile found in the ripe fruit was linalool, reaching concentrations of 1.5-3.5 microg/g fresh weight.     

Specificity of codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) for the host plant kairomone, ethyl (2E,4Z)-2,4-decadienoate: field bioassays with pome fruit volatiles, analogue, and isomeric compounds

Codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), is a severe pest of apples, pears, and walnuts worldwide, and new approaches for precise monitoring and management would be beneficial. Ninety-two pome fruit volatiles were formulated in 23 distinct blends, of which a single 4-component blend of 10-carbon esters showed the only significant attraction of moths in field bioassays conducted in both walnut and apple orchards. A single constituent of this blend, ethyl (2E,4Z)-2,4-decadienoate--the "pear ester", was the major contributing attractant. The pear ester attracted both male and female moths in combined numbers that were comparable to the attractiveness of conspecific sex pheromone. Structure-activity tests were conducted in a series of orchard trials to determine the specificity of attraction of codling moths to the pear ester kairomone. No analogue 10-carbon alcohols, aldehydes, acetates, or other esters elicited significant moth capture responses. Tests with various analogue esters with alcohol chain length moiety substitutions of the (2E,4Z)-2,4-decadienoic acid elicited differential capture responses, with the ethyl exceeding the propyl, methyl, butyl, and hexyl analogues. The (E,Z) geometric isomers of this series of (2E,4Z)-2,4-decadienoic acid esters far exceeded the attractiveness of the (E,E) isomers. The pear ester is a potent attractant of both males and females, and codling moths are highly discriminating and specific in their structure-activity-based attraction to this pear-derived kairomone. These specificity attributes should allow this host plant kairomone to contribute to new abilities for female monitoring and the potential of development of novel and highly selective control practices that should decrease the current dependence on the use of broad-spectrum insecticides.