http://www.nature.com/articles/srep20546
- Scientific Reports 6, Article number: 20546 (2016)
- doi:10.1038/srep20546
- Download Citation
- Received:
- Accepted:
- Published online:
Abstract
The
phasing out of methyl bromide as a fumigant, resistance problems with
phosphine and other fumigants in stored product beetles, and serious
concern with human health and environmental safety have triggered the
search for alternative biofumigants of plant origin. Despite the
identification of a large number of plants that show insecticidal
activity, and the diversity of natural products with inherent
eco-friendly nature, newer biofumigants of plant origin have eluded
discovery. Using a bioassay driven protocol, we have now isolated a
bioactive molecule from the root stock of Colocasia esculenta
(L.) and characterized it as 2, 3-dimethylmaleic anhydride (3,
4-dimethyl-2, 5-furandione) based on various physico-chemical and
spectroscopic techniques (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and
Mass). The molecule proved to be an efficient biofumigant which is
highly toxic to insect pests for stored grains even at very low
concentration, but has no adverse effect on seed germination. We finally
address the potential for this molecule to become a, effective
biofumigant.