C. Satasook et al., INSECTICIDAL BIOACTIVITY OF CRUDE EXTRACTS OF AGLAIA SPECIES (MELIACEAE), Biochemical systematics and ecology, 22(2), 1994, pp. 121-127
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.