Ittah, Y., Department of Food Science, Agricultural Research Organization, The Vocani Center, PO Box 6, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel
Zisman, U., Department of Stored Products, Agricultural Research Organization, The Vocani Center, PO Box 6, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel

Allyl alcohol esters (propionate, formate, and acetate) and structurally related compounds (3‐methylallyl alcohol and vinyl acetate) were evaluated for their fumigation properties vis‐a‐vis Theba pisana (Mueller) snails. The esters were very effective in exterminating the snails, although less so than the parent alcohol. These results suggest that the esters might first have to undergo hydrolysis, and only thereafter demonstrate their potency. 3‐Methylallyl alcohol (four‐carbon member) and vinyl acetate (two‐carbon member, after hydrolysis) were significantly less potent than the allyl esters. All three esters showed less phytotoxicity towards roses than did allyl alcohol itself. However, only allyl acetate caused no damage whatsoever to the entire plant tested (flower, leaves, sepals, and stem). Copyright © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd