Antifeedant activity of the chemical constituents of Detarium microcarpum Guill&Perr. (Ceasalpinaceae)

Plant-derived extracts or phytochemicals have long been a subject of research in an effort to develop alternatives to conventional insecticides with reduced negative impact on human health and the environment. In this study, the chemical constituents of Detarium microcarpum (Guill&Perr) plant was investigated for a comparison of the biological actions of the chemical composition of its leaves, stem and root barks. Extracts from the leaves, stem and root barks were analyzed for feeding deterrent and contact toxicity activities. All the solvent-based extracts from the various parts of D. microcarpum (Guill&Perr) showed feeding deterrent and contact toxicity effects against Tribolium casteneum, Hbst. a maize weevil. Methanol extracts of the root bark of D. microcarpum (Guill&Perr) gave the best antifeedant index and contact toxicity effect on T. casteneum, Hbst with an LC50 value of 47μg/insect. IR and GCMS analyses have identified some saturated carboxylic acids and carbonyl ompounds. © 2010 INSInet Publication.