Hydroxylinolenoyl-L-glutamine

Volicitin (N-( 17-hydroxylinolenoyl)-L-glutamine) was identified by Alborn etal. 

C23H38N2O5, Mr 422.47, amorphous solid. Beet army-worm caterpillars supply their plant host with a suicide weapon called V. (induced chemical defense in plants). V. is the A( -( 17-hydroxylinolenoyl) derivative of L- "glutamine. When some plants, such as com, are injured by the caterpillar s feeding, V. in damaged tissues signals the plant to emit volatile compounds that attract wasps, the caterpillar s natural enemy. V. appears to be a natural product of the caterpillar, rather than of the plants. 

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