Structure- and species-dependent insecticidal effects of neo-clerodane diterpenes

Several natural neo-clerodane diterpenoids isolated from Linaria saxatilis and some semisynthetic derivatives were tested against several insect species with different feeding adaptations. The antifeedant tests showed that the oliphagous Leptinotarsa decemlineata was the most sensitive insect, followed by the aphid Myzus persicae. The polyphagous Spodoptera littoralis was not deterred by these diterpenoids; however, following oral administration, some of these compounds did have postingestive antifeedant effects on this insect. In general terms, the antifeedant effects of these compounds were species-dependent and more selective than their toxic/postingestive effects. The study of their structure-activity relationships showed that both the decalin moiety and the chain at C-9 determined their bioactivity. Furthermore, the presence of a 4,18-epoxy/diol moiety was an important feature for both the antifeedant and the toxic/postingestive effects.