Journal of Chemical Ecology (1997) 23, 1819-1831

C. Rodriguez-Saona, J.G. Millar and J.T. Trumble (1997)
Growth inhibitory, insecticidal, and feeding deterrent effects of (12Z, 15Z)-1-acetoxy-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-heneicosa-12,15-diene, a compound from avocado fruit, to Spodoptera exigua

Journal of Chemical Ecology 23 (7), 1819-1831
Abstract: We isolated and identified (12Z,15Z)-1-acetoxy-2-hydroxy-4-oxoheneicosa-12,15-diene (persin) from avocado as a compound toxic to Spodoptera exigua larvae. Persin was obtained from oil extracted from the specialized idioblast cells of avocado fruit. When tested for activity using neonates in no-choice artificial diet bioassays, persin at concentrations of 200 µg/g inhibited growth; larvae gained only ~ 50% of the weight attained by control insects after seven days. At concentrations of 400 µg/g or above, larval growth was reduced by >70% as measured by weight gain, and significant mortality occurred. In choice tests, persin at concentrations of 400 µg/g or higher deterred feeding, with significantly more larvae being found on control diet than on persin-treated diet. Possible applications of persin as a natural insecticide are discussed.
(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): Cesar R. Rodriguez-Saona, John T. Trumble, Jocelyn G. Millar

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.
	Spodoptera exigua