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.
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Rodriguez-Saona, C., Millar, J.G. & Trumble, J.T. 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 . J Chem Ecol 23, 1819–1831 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JOEC.0000006453.40940.a8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JOEC.0000006453.40940.a8