The deterrent effect of limonene enentiomers and limonene derivative: ( + )-(1S,4S,6S)-4-(1-methylethenyl)-9-oxabicyclo[ 4.3.0]nonan-8-one, on Myzus persicae was investigated. Only S-enantiomers of limonene and its derivative showed feeding deterrent properties. S-limonene inhibited phloem sap ingestion and reduced the number of phloem sap ingestion phases during aphid stylet penetration of plant tissues. Aphids spent twice less time on leaves painted with ( + )-1S,4S,6S-4-(1-methylethenyl)-9-oxabicyclo[ 4.3.0]nonan-8-one than on control and S-limonene-treated leaves and the probes were shorter than 2 minutes on these leaves. Our studies confirmed that the chiral centre configuration of the lactones was important in expression of feeding deterrent activity.

The antifeedant activity of lactones with di- and trimethylcyclohexane system was assessed in choice and no-choice bioassays against Leptinotarsa decemlineata and Alphitobius diaperinus larvae and beetles. The results showed that feeding deterrent activity depends on the structure of the tested compounds. Additional methyl group in the molecule of some compounds influences their activity increase or changes their properties from attractant to deterrent ones. The present results also demonstrate the species and developmental stage dependence of antifeedant activity.