Insecticidal action of the polyphenolic rich fractions from the stem bark of Streblus asper on Dysdercus cingulatus

Extracts from the stem bark of Streblus asper possess insecticidal activity against the fifth instar of Dysdercus cingulatus. Methanolic extract showed an LC50 value of 5.56 mug/insect. Partition with chloroform increased the insecticidal activity (LC50 2.01 mug/insect). Three polyphenolic rich fractions were obtained from silica-gel column chromatography of the chloroform fraction and found to have noteworthy insecticidal activity (LC50: 1.82 mug, 2.70 mug, 2.26 mug/insect) by topical application. This may provide a useful beginning for the development of biopesticides. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.