Contact Toxicity and Antifeedant Activity of Aconitum flavum Extract against Cabbage Worm

[ Objective] The paper was to study the contact toxicity and antifeedant activity of Aconitum flavum against cabbage worm. [ Method ] In- sect dipping method was adopted to determine the contact toxicity of the extracts of A. fiavum extracted from five polar solvents including ethanol, petroleum ether, ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water; leaf dish method was adopted to determine the antifeedant activities of five solvent ex- tracts including ethanol, petroleum ether, ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water against cabbage worm, [ Result] Extracts of A. flavum had high contact toxicity against cabbage worm. When the concentration was 100.00 mg/ml, the corrected mortality at 48 h roached 97.24%, and the insec- ticidal activities of five solvent extracts against cabbage worm in sequence were water 〉 n-butanol 〉 ethyl acetate 〉 ether 〉 petroleum ether, the cor- rected mortality of water extract at 48 h was 95.87% ; the antifeedant activities of five solvent extracts in sequence were water 〉 n-butanol 〉 ethyl ac- etate 〉 ether 〉 petroleum ether. [ Conclusion] Extracts of A. flavum had strong contact toxicity and antifeedant activity against cabbage worm, and the active ingredients with contact toxicity and antifeedant activity might be a kind of polar compound.

Synthesis and Insecticidal Activity of Novel Camptothecin Derivatives Containing Analogs of Chrysanthemic Acid Moieties

Creating high-efifcient and environment-friendly pesticides is very important to produce the pollution free agriculture food and maintain the balance of the survival environmental of the human being. According to reports, camptothecin （CPT） and its derivatives are now being explored as a class of botanical insecticide in agriculture due to its novel mode of action. In order to improve the insecticidal activity of CPT, ten novel camptothecin （1） and 10-hydroxycamptothecin （2） derivatives （1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e;2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e） were designed and synthesized via esteriifcation with analogs of chrysanthemic acid, which have outstanding insecticidal activity. The results showed that compound 2a exhibited potent antifeeding effect and the best contact toxicity among the target compounds against the third-instar larvae of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua H＆#252;bner. Compound 2a was also found to be the most effective cytotoxic compound to the tested insect cell lines, IOZCAS-Spex-II, which were established from the fat bodies of S. exigua. It was proposed that the 10-hydroxyl group in the camptothecin derivatives is a key factor for the antifeeding activity of a compound. The nature of the substituents was considered the major factor in determining the insecticidal activity of these compounds.

Antifeedant Activity and Active Ingredients Against Plutella xylostella from Momordica charantia Leaves

With the bioguided fractionation of the ethanol extracts from the leaves of Momordica charantia, we obtained two most active compounds against the feeding of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella larvae. The antifeedant activity of momordicine Ⅰ and momordicine Ⅱ against the second and the third instar larvae of Plutella xylostella were tested using leaf discs of cabbage in the laboratory. The results showed that momordicin Ⅰ and momordicin Ⅱ had significant antifeedant activity on the larvae of P. xylostella, and momordicin Ⅱ was more active than momordicin Ⅰ. The concentrations for 50% antifeedant effects （AFC50） of momordicin Ⅱ against the second and the third instar larvae of P. xylostella were 76.69 and 116.24μg mL^-1, whereas that of momordicin I was 144.08 and 168.42μg mL^-1, respectively. In addition, momordicin Ⅰ and momordicin Ⅱ had significant inhibitive effect on the rate of weight gain and survival of P. xylostella larvae.

A Novel Flavane from Carapa guianensis

Seven compounds were isolated from the EtOH extraction of the twig of Carapa guianensis Aubl. (Meliaceae). On the basis of spectroscopic methods, their structures were elucidated as (-)-epicatechin-3-O-(3' , 5'-di-O-methyl) gallate (1), (-)-catechin (2), sciadopitysin (3), cleomiscosin B (4), photogedunin (5), chisocheton compound F (6) and odoratone (7), respectively. Among them compound 1 was a new flavane, compounds 2-7 were firstly obtained from this plant, and compound 5 was assigned the C-13-NMR data for the first time. Compound 7 exhibited strong antifeedant activity against Pieris brassicae, and compound 2 exhibited moderate activity, while the n-BuOH portion showed weak activity.

Antifeedant and Antiviral Diterpenoids from the Fresh Roots of Euphorbia jolkinii

The perennial herbaceous plant Euphorbia jolkinii(Euphorbiaceae)is a noxious weed widely distributed in the grasslands of northwestern Yunnan and has greatly threatened the local biodiversity.Phytochemical investigation on the fresh roots of E.jolkinii afforded six new diterpenoids 1,2,4–6,and 8,together with fifteen known diterpenoids.Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR and other spectroscopic methods.Casbane,lathyrane,abietane,and ent-kaurane diterpenoids were reported from this plant for the first time.Selected compounds were evaluated for their antifeedant and anti-RSV(respiratory syncytial virus)activities.Compound 2 and ingenol(3)exhibited moderate antifeedant activity against a generalist insect herbivore,Spodoptera exigua,with EC50 values of 17.88 and 17.71 lg/cm2 respectively.Compound 19 showed significant anti-RSV activity,with 50%inhibition(IC50)value of 10.0 lM and selective index of 8.0.Compounds 1 and 2 were less active against RSV virus,both with IC50 value of 25 lM,and with selective indices of 1.0 and 3.2 respectively.These findings provided new evidence for the biological functions and utilization of the diversified diterpenoid metabolites in the roots of this rich but harmful plant.

Influence of form and quantity of chromium on the development and survival of two silkworm(Bombyx mori L.)races

Growth inhibitory activity has proven important in Qiufeng×Baiyu and Qingsong×Haoyue silkworm larvae. The consumption of mulberry leaves was reduced in both silkworm races while Qiufeng×Baiyu larvae showed the higher reduction in leaf consumption. From the results obtained, it was revealed that even at low concentrations of 400 mg/L of either Cr(Ⅲ) or Cr(Ⅵ) ions, growth of Qiufeng × Baiyu and Qingsong × Haoyue was significantly depressed. Depression in relative growth index(RGI) and high death rate in both silkworm races indicated that the different concentrations of the two ions used caused their growth inhibitions. Through linear regression analysis, the EC 50 (concentration of the compound that caused 50% reduction) was interpolated for both tested compounds. EC 50 (mg/L) of Cr (Ⅲ) ions in Qiufeng × Baiyu and Qingsong × Haoyue were 800 and 600 respectively. EC 50 (mg/L) of Cr(Ⅵ) ions in Qiufeng × Baiyu and Qingsong × Haoyue was 600 and 316 respectively. According to the analysis of relative growth index, and an analysis of linear regression technique for measuring the growth of the silkworm races, it was indicated that the form of Cr affected growth rates, growth inhibition responses of the larvae, and toxicological effects. Thus, form and quantity of Cr accumulating in silkworms reared with contaminated leaves are likely to influence their population dynamics.

Pesticidal activity of Rivina humilis L.(Phytolaccaceae)against important agricultural polyphagous field pest,Spodoptera litura(Fab.)(Lepidoptera:Noctuidae)

Objective:To evaluate the pesticidal activity of antifeedant,oviposition deterrent,ovicidal and larvicidal activities of benzene,dichloromethane,diethylether,ethylacetate and methanol extracts of Rivina humilis at different concentrations against agricultural polyphagous pest Spodoptera litura(Lepidoptera:Noctuidae)(S.litura).Methods:Antifeedant activities of the selected plant extract were studied as described by Isman et al.(1990),with slight modifications.For oviposition deterrent activity,ten pairs of(adult moths)S.litura were subjected in five replicates.After 48 h,the numbers of eggs masses laid on treated and control leaves were recorded and the percentage of oviposition deterrence was calculated.The ovicidal activity was determined against the eggs of S.litura.Twenty five early fourth instar larvae of S.litura were exposed to various concentrations and was assayed by using the protocol of Abbott’s formula(1925);the 24 h LC_(50)values of the Rivina humilis leaf extract was determined by probit analysis.Results:All the extracts showed moderate antifeedant activitiy;however,significant antifeedant,ovicidal,oviposition deterrent and larvicidal activities were observed in methanol extract.Conclusions:This study showed that the selected plant can be a potent source of natural antifeedant,oviposition deterrent,ovicidal and larvicidal activities against field pest S.litura.

EFFECTS OF FIVE NEW COMPOUNDS ON THE LARVAL GROWTH AND DIGESTIVE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE ASIATIC CORN BORER, OSTRINIA FURNA CALIS LARVAE

Five new compounds were tested on the growth and antifeeding activity compared with toosendanin against fifth instar larvae Ostrinia furnacalis. The activities of two proteases, a weak alkaline trypsine like enzyme and a chymotrypsin like enzyme, in the midgut of Ostrinia furnacalis larvae were also measured. Experimental results suggest that when incorporated into an artificial diet at the concentration of 500mg/kg, the antifeeding activities of toosendanin,C 19 ,C 23 ,C 24 ,C 26 ,C 28 were 51 16%,57 61%,4 28%,51 08%,36 73% and 51 67%, respectively, C 19 ,C 24 ,C 28 had no significant difference with toosendanin. At 20mg/kg, the larval growth were remarkably suppressed by C 19 ,C 26 ,C 28 , the inhibition of C 28 was close to toosendanin in 48 h. The two proteases were activated by toosendanin and C 28 while they were inhibited in 48 h but activated in 24 h by C 19 ,C 24 and C 26 . In this paper, the related functions and mechanisms were discussed.

Defensive Sesquiterpenoids from Leaves of Eupatorium adenophorum

The invasive plant Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng has caused great economic loss in China, and is gravely threatening the native biodiversity and ecosystem. The plant has been phytochemically investigated for the defen- sive chemical substances in its leaves. Three active sesquiterpenoids were isolated and identified, which include a new sesquiterpenoid （1）, and two known sesquiterpenoids （2, 3）. Their structures were established by spectroscopic studies such as 1D- and 2D-NMR and MS analyses. Meanwhile, the antifeedant activities of these compounds against two generalist plant-feeding insects, Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera exigua, were carried out. Com- pound 1 showed significant antifeedant activity against S. exigua with ECs0 = 7.46 μg/cm^2, while compounds 2 and 3 were more active against H. armigera （EC50=2.57 and 3.04 μg/cm^2 respectively）. These findings suggest a de- fensive role of sesquiterpenoids in E. adenophorum against herbivores.

Peltate glandular trichomes of Colquhounia seguinii harbor new defensive clerodane diterpenoids

Glandular trichomes produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites that are considered as major defensive chemicals against herbivore attack.The morphology and secondary metabolites of the peltate glandular trichomes of a lianoid Labiatae,Colquhounia seguinii Vaniot,were investigated.Three new clerodane diterpenoids,seguiniilactones A-C（1-3）,were identified through precise trichome collection with laser microdissection,metabolic analysis with ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer,target compound isolation with classical phytochemical techniques,structure elucidation with spectroscopic methods.All compounds showed significant antifeedant activity against a generalist plant-feeding insect Spodoptera exigua.Seguiniilactone A（1） was approximately 17-fold more potent than the commercial neem oil.a-Substituted α,β-unsaturated γ-lactone functionality was found to be crucial for strong antifeedant activity of this class of compounds.Quantitative results indicated that the levels of these compounds in the peltate glandular trichomes and leaves were sufficiently high to deter the feeding by generalist insects.Moderate antifungal activity was observed for seguiniilactone C（3） against six predominant fungal species isolated from the diseased leaves of C seguinii,while seguiniilactones A and B were generally inactive.These findings suggested that seguiniilactones A-C might be specialized secondary metabolites in peltate glandular trichomes for the plant defense against insect herbivores and pathogens.

Bioefficacy of Caesalpinia bonducella extracts against tobacco cutworm,Helicoverpa armigera(Hub.)(Lepidoptera:Noctuidae)

Objective:To evaluate the antifeedant,oviposition deterrent,ovicidal and larvicidal activities of benzene,dichloromethane,diethylether,ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Indian medicinal plant,Caesalpinia bonducella(C.bonducella)at different concentrations against Lepidopteran agricultural field pest Helicoverpa armigera(Lepidoptera:Noctuidae).Methods:Antifeedant activities of the selected plant extract were studied using leaf disc no-choice method and oviposition deterrent,ovicidal and larvicidal activities were also assessed by adapting the standard protocols.Results:The antifeedant activity of C.bonducella showed significant antifeedant activity in methanol extract.Oviposition deterrency is higher in methanol extract than the other solvent extracts.Similarly,maximum egg mortality was observed in methanol leaf extract of C.bonducella Lethal concentration,LC_(50)value of benzene,diethylether,dichloromethane,ethyl acetate and methanol extract of C.bonducella were 470.02,469.00,465.47,460.52 and 443.87 mg/L respectively.The Chi-square values are significant at P<0.05 level.Among five solventextracts,the methanol extract was responsible for strong lethal activity observed against selected pest species.Conclusions:Results of this study show that the selected Indian medicinal plant C.bonducella could be a potent source of natural antifeedant,oviposition deterrent,ovicidal and larvicidal agent against the field pest Helicoverpa armigera.