Influence of water extracts from the surface of two yew (Taxus) species on mites (Tetranychus urticae).

Taxus cuspidata and Taxus media var. Hicksii contain paclitaxel, among other taxoids, on the surface of the needles. These compounds were removed by 5-s dipping of the needles in water just below its boiling point at 96 degrees C and at 60 degrees C and 40 degrees C.