Journal of Pest Science (2007) 80, 205-215

Maja Alexenizer and August Dorn (2007)
Screening of medicinal and ornamental plants for insecticidal and growth regulating activity
Journal of Pest Science 80 (4), 205-215
Abstract: Extracts of 121 medicinal and ornamental plants were screened for insecticidal and growth regulating activity to milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus Dallas. The most effective extracts stemmed from Inula helenium L., Rumex crispus L., R. acetosa L., Asarum europaeum L., and Calendula officinalis L. All these extracts exerted growth inhibiting activities and moderate or low acute toxicity. Most promising were extracts of dried roots of I. helenium. Besides a moderate chronic toxicity which reduced the fitness of the milkweed bug, the treatment produced overaged nymphs, supernumerary nymphs, disturbances of the moulting process, morphological defects, delay of adult maturation and reduction of fecundity. In addition, I. helenium extracts had a strong antifeedant effect when topically applied and very strong repellent effect when applied to the food (peeled sunflower kernels). It is obvious that the extract contains several active constituents. Such a cocktail may reduce the threat of rapid resistance development.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): August Dorn

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Oncopeltus fasciatus