The potency of minerals to reduce oriental fruit fly infestation in chili fruits.

Introductions: In many areas, particularly in Asia, the oriental fruit fly (Hendel) causes considerable fruit damage on various plants. The fruit fly causes significant economic losses every year due to reduced fruit quantity and quality as well as export restrictions. This study aimed to examine the potency of minerals in controlling the oriental fruit fly infestation in chili fruits.

Synthetic and structure-activity relationship of insecticidal bufadienolides.

A new synthetic analog of bufadienolide, methyl isobryophyllinate A (1), and a known synthetic analog, methyl isobersaldegenate-1,3,5-orthoacetate (2), were obtained by methanolysis of bryophyllin A (3) and bersaldegenin-1,3,5-orthoacetate (5) in basic solution. Structure-insecticidal activity relationship studies revealed both orthoacetate and alpha-pyrone moieties seemed to be essential structural elements for exhibiting insecticidal activity, whereas oxygenated substituents in the C ring enhanced the insecticidal activity against the third instar larvae of silkworm (Bombyx mori).