The structure-activity relationship was investigated of compounds isolated from the eggs of Pieris brassicae, the large white cabbage butterfly, and eight synthesized related compounds as oviposition deterrents for this insect. The activity of all compounds was tested in a dual-choice bioassay. The
Pieris brassicae L. butterflies secrete miriamides onto their eggs. These avenanthramide alkaloids are strong oviposition deterrents when sprayed onto a cabbage leaf. However, these compounds could not be detected in cabbage leaves from which egg batches had been removed two days after deposition