Exploring insecticidal properties of samaderins and cedronin from Quassia indica against pumpkin caterpillar

AbstractThe study examines the use of Quassia indica Gaertn seeds for controlling the pumpkin caterpillar, a major pest of gourds. Lethal doses of different solvent extracts (n-hexane, acetone, ethanol and water) of Q. indica seeds were estimated and acetone extract exhibited lowest LD50 value (0.59%) against second instar larvae of Diaphania indica Saund at 72 h after treatment. Chromatographic fractions from the acetone extract of seeds @ 5% showed highest antifeedant (75.61% leaf protection) and insecticidal (73.33% mortality) effects against second instar larvae of D. indica. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis identified the presence of samaderins and cedronin in the seed extract.