Biodegradation of 2-ethylhexyl nitrate by Mycobacterium austroafricanum IFP 2173.

2-Ethyhexyl nitrate (2-EHN) is a major additive of fuel that is used to increase the cetane number of diesel. Because of its wide use and possible accidental release, 2-EHN is a potential pollutant of the environment. In this study, Mycobacterium austroafricanum IFP 2173 was selected from among several strains as the best 2-EHN degrader.

Male aggregation pheromone of date palm fruit stalk borer Oryctes elegans.

Laboratory and field investigations were carried out to characterize the chemical communication system of the date palm fruit stalk borer, Oryctes elegans, and to develop pheromone-based trapping in Eastern Iran. Adults of both sexes feeding on date palm pieces attracted conspecifics, whereas date palm alone was minimally attractive. Males were twice as attractive as females.