INSECTICIDAL BIOACTIVITY OF CRUDE EXTRACTS OF AGLAIA SPECIES (MELIACEAE)

Crude foliar extracts of 19 species of Aglaia (Meliaceae), mostly of I ndo-Malaysian origin, were screened for larval growth inhibiting and i nsecticidal effects on the polyphagous lepidopteran Peridroma saucia ( Noctuidae). Extracts of at least seven of these species significantly reduce larval growth of P. saucia. Aglaia odorata yielded the most inh ibitory extracts, but there is significant (35-fold) geographical vari ation in the bioactivity of extracts within this widespread species. I n addition, extracts of bark are significantly more active than foliar extracts. Foliar extracts significantly deter neonate larvae, but nut ritional analyses of fourth instar larvae fed artificial diets laced w ith A. odorata extracts indicate that both diet consumption and dietar y utilization are impaired. These results are similar to that obtained with pure (-)-rocaglamide, an insecticidal principle isolated from A. odorata. This species should provide a useful starting point for the development of a botanical insecticide.