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Biological activity of natural phytoecdysteroids from Ajuga iva against the sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci and the persea mite Oligonychus perseae
Author(s) -
Aly Radi,
Ravid Uzi,
AbuNassar Jackline,
Botnick Ilan,
Lebedev Galina,
Gal Shira,
Ziadna Hammam,
Achdari Guy,
Smirov Evgeny,
Meir Ayala,
Ghanim Murad
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.2203
Subject(s) - biology , persea , botany , whitefly , 20 hydroxyecdysone , horticulture , larva
BACKGROUND: Ecdysteroids are steroid hormones that control moulting and govern several changes during metamorphoses in arthropods. The discovery of the same molecules (phytoecdysteroids) in several plant species displayed a wide array of rather beneficial agricultural impact. Many representatives of the genus Ajuga plants contain phytoecdysteroids with a 5β‐7‐ene‐6‐one system exhibiting physiological activities in insects. RESULTS: By means of chromatographic (silica gel column, TLC) and LC‐MS, two major ecdysteroids (20‐hydroxyecdysone and cyasterone) have been isolated and identified from Israeli carpet bugle Ajuga iva (L.) Schreber (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) plants. Ajuga iva extract fractionated on the silica gel column yielded two fractions that showed high activity against the sweetpotato whitefly Bemisis tabaci and the persea mite Oligonychus perseae . A dose of 5 mg AI L −1 of the purely identified A. iva ecdysterone significantly reduced fecundity, fertility and survival of these pests, while commercial 20‐hydroxyecdysone at the same dose had lesser effects. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate considerable efficacy of natural phytoecdysteroids against major agricultural pests, and suggests that these materials should be considered for potential development of friendly control agents. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry