INSECT ANTIFEEDANT RYANODANE DITERPENES FROM PERSEA-INDICA

The new ryanodane diterpenes cinnzeylanone, ryanodol 14-monoacetate, a nd epi-cinnzeylanol have been isolated from Persea indica (Lauraceae). The structure of cinnzeylanone has been determined by X-ray analysis. These compounds proved to be antifeedants against Spodoptera litura. Cinnzeylanol and ryanodol were the most active antifeedants of this pl ant, with a range of activity close to that of ryanodine. This is the first report on the antifeedant effects of this class of diterpenes. T heir structure-activity relationships and possible mode of action are discussed.