BIOLOGICALLY-ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS OF TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL PLANTS

Methanol extracts of number of tropical and subtropical plants, such a s Ailanthus altissima, Acanthospermum hispidum, Heritiera littoralis, and seed cake of Azadirachta indica (''neem cake''), have been tested for antifeedant, insecticidal, insect growth regulating (IGR), nematic idal, bactericidal, and fungicidal activity. Antifeedant activities to wards Epilachna varivestis were observed with the Ailanthus, Acanthosp ermum, Heritiera, and neem cake extracts, resp., IGR activities were f ound in addition with Ailanthus and neem cake extracts. Bactericidal a nd fungicidal effects were observed with extracts from A. hispidum. We report on isolation, structure, and biological activity of some of th e active principles.