Studies of the potential insecticidal activity of some native species. I. Evaluation of the extracts of Brunfelsia pauciflora (H.B.K)
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In Colombia, there are several problems with crops caused by pests. The tropical flora, rich and diverse, offers a great amount of economically significant plants that produce bioactive compounds with insecticidal or other interesting applications. The secondary metabolites, of limited distribution in specific taxonomic groups, which functions are not well known and are identified as allelochemical agents against predators and other microorganisms, have active, selective, and specialized properties. The available ethnobotanical knowledge helps to select some species and study them from the point of view of their potential capacity to be applied as natural control agents as part of the Pest Ecological Management (PEM). Looking for natural insecticides of vegetal origin is a meaningful research field in order to find out methods to protect the environment and human health. The extracts in different solvents of the selected parts of the plants were treated through designed bioassays to determine their potential activity. The fractionation guided by bioassay has lead to find and isolate the active fractions. Among the bioassays were used: housefly larvae Contact bioassay (Diptera), Antifeedant Activity assay to Pieris brassicae larvae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), Phototoxic and General Lethality Test with A. salina. The results are shown in the tables and graphics included. The parameters used were: mean mortality, relative growth rate, morphological, and behavior all changes and others.
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