Abstract
Epilachnene [(5Z)-11-propyl-12-azacyclotetradec-5-en-14-olide], the principal component of the secretion of the pupal defensive hairs of the Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis), has antiinsectan activity. Both the R enantiomer of epilachnene, and the S enantiomer (the natural configuration of the compound), proved deterrent in a feeding bioassay with a predaceous coccinellid beetle (Harmonia axyridis). Moreover, both enantiomers proved active in a topical irritancy test with a cockroach (Periplaneta americana).
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Rossini, C., González, A., Farmer, J. et al. Antiinsectan Activity of Epilachnene, a Defensive Alkaloid from Pupae of Mexican Bean Beetles (Epilachna varivestis). J Chem Ecol 26, 391–397 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005457321701
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005457321701