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Argentine plants as potential source of insecticidal compounds
A M Broussalis1, G E Ferraro, V S Martino
1Cátedra de Farmacognosia, IQUIMEFA (UBA-CONICET) Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
|January 5, 2000
Summary
Plant extracts from Argentina were tested for insecticidal properties. Four species, including Chenopodium multifidum and Tagetes erecta, showed significant activity against the rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae.
Area of Science:
- Ethnobotany
- Entomology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Traditional knowledge often holds valuable information on natural pesticides.
- The rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) is a significant agricultural pest causing substantial crop losses.
- Screening plant-derived compounds is crucial for developing sustainable pest management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the insecticidal activity of extracts from 15 Argentine plants traditionally used as insecticides.
- To identify specific plant species with potent activity against the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae.
Main Methods:
- Dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) and methanol (MeOH) extracts were prepared from 15 selected Argentine plant species.
- Extracts were bioassayed for insecticidal efficacy against adult Sitophilus oryzae.
- Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant activity.
Main Results:
- Four plant species exhibited significant insecticidal activity against Sitophilus oryzae.
- These active species were Chenopodium multifidum L. (Chenopodiaceae), Flaveria bidentis (L.) O.K. (Compositae), Aristolochia argentina Gris. (Aristolochiaceae), and Tagetes erecta L. (Compositae).
- The study confirmed the insecticidal potential of these ethnobotanically relevant plants.
Conclusions:
- Chenopodium multifidum, Flaveria bidentis, Aristolochia argentina, and Tagetes erecta possess significant insecticidal properties against Sitophilus oryzae.
- These findings support the traditional use of these plants as insecticides and suggest their potential for natural pest control product development.
- Further research into the active compounds and mechanisms of action is warranted.