Larvicidal activity of α-mangostin in the colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata

Abstract

α -Mangostin, a major xanthone derivative in mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), has been proven to have a wide range of biological-activities. In this study, we assessed the larvicidal and antifeeding activities of a -mangostin using larvae and adults of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say. α -Mangostin showed larvicidal activity and growth inhibitory effects under non-choice feeding conditions. The LC50 values with 7-, 14- and 23-day treatment were 63.66 (13.29-279.79) μM, 8.37 (2.67-20.27) μM and 4.09 (0.89-11.81) μM, respectively. Larval development was significantly delayed 3-8 days with α -mangostin treatment. The antifeeding activity of a -mangostin was also tested by leaf disc non-choice and choice methods against larvae and adults of L. decemlineata. α -Mangostin had stronger antifeeding-activity toward adults than toward larvae, whereas there was low lethality in adults associated with higher antifeeding indexes (AFIs). The larvicidal and antifeeding effects suggest that α -mangostin and related compounds should be explored for their potential as botanical insecticide alternatives for control of the Colorado potato beetle. © Pesticide Science Society of Japan.