(-)-olivil and (+)-1-acetoxypinoresinol from the olive tree (Olea europaea Linne; Oleaceae) as feeding stimulants of the olive weevil (Dyscerus perforatus).

Guided by a feeding stimulant activity test on the olive weevil (Dyscerus perforatus), two compounds that showed potent feeding stimulant activity were isolated from the olive tree (Olea europaea). Based on their spectral data and a literature survey, they were identified as (-)-olivil (1) and (+ )-1-acetoxypinoresinol (2). The activities of these minor lignans were significantly higher for the female than for the male weevil.