Insecticidal activity of diosgenin isolated from three species of grape ginger (Costus spp.) on the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.)

Issue Date

9-2005

Abstract

The unilateral approach of farmers in trying to overcome the diamondback moth (DBM) problem with synthetic insecticides has generated other undesirable effects, which elicited interest in the possible use of botanical insecticides against DBM. The paper reports on the isolation of diosgenin from the rhizome of Costus speciosus, C. lacerus and C. globosus and the bioassay of its insecticidal activity. Diosgenin had a low contact and ovicidal activity but a potent insect growth regulator (IGR) and high oviposition deterrent activity. It caused larval and pupal deformities, reduced fecundity and partial sterility. Based on the ED50 (effective dose that produces 50% abnormal test insects), crude diosgenin was more active than purified diosgenin. The DBM parasitoid, Cotesia plutellae, was 14x less sensitive to diosgenin compared to DBM, therefore, diosgenin is safe to the parasitoid but toxic to DBM.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Agricultural Scientist

ISSN

317454

Volume

88

Issue

3

Page

317-327

Document Type

Article

Language

English

Subject

Costus spp., Diamondback moth, Diosgenin, Insect growth regulator, Insecticidal activity, Plutella xyllostella

Digital Copy

none

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