Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
08:42
Infection of In Vivo and In Vitro Pines with the Pinewood Nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and Isolation of Induced Volatiles
Published on: September 27, 2024
Exploring Heteropanax fragrans (Roxb.) Seem. Essential Oils: Chemical Composition and Insecticidal Activity Against
Yong-Qing Gu1,2, Rui-Qi Liu1, Yuan Zhang2
1Department of Biomedical Science, Beijing City University, Beijing, China.
Chemistry & Biodiversity
|July 29, 2026
Summary
Essential oils from Heteropanax fragrans show potent insecticidal activity against major stored-product pests. These plant-derived compounds offer a safer, eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical insecticides for protecting agricultural commodities.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Entomology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Stored-product insect pests like Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Lasioderma serricorne, and Tribolium castaneum cause substantial economic losses.
- Conventional insecticides pose risks to human health and the environment, necessitating sustainable alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the insecticidal and repellent properties of essential oils (EOs) from different parts of Heteropanax fragrans against key stored-product pests.
- To identify the active compounds within the EOs responsible for their pesticidal effects.
Main Methods:
- Essential oils were extracted from Heteropanax fragrans using hydrodistillation.
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed for chemical analysis and compound identification.
- Contact toxicity and repellent activity assays were conducted against target insect species.
Main Results:
- A total of 34 compounds were identified, with β-caryophyllene as the major constituent.
- Leaf essential oil (HL) exhibited high contact toxicity against Lasioderma serricorne (LD50 = 5.26 µg/adult) and Tribolium castaneum (LD50 = 22.26 µg/adult).
- Branch essential oil (HB) demonstrated significant efficacy against Oryzaephilus surinamensis (LD50 = 18.41 µg/adult), and HL showed up to 94% repellency against T. castaneum.
Conclusions:
- Heteropanax fragrans essential oils possess significant insecticidal and repellent properties against major stored-product pests.
- These plant-derived EOs represent a promising, eco-friendly botanical insecticide for sustainable pest management in stored agricultural commodities.
- The findings support the use of Heteropanax fragrans EOs as a safer alternative to synthetic pesticides.
