Azadirachtin variation of six provenances of Azadirachta excelsa (Jack) Jacob

Abstract

In this study, azadirachtin concentrations of A excelsa from six provenances viz, Bukit Lagong (Selangor), Pengkalan Arang (Terengganu), Narathiwat (Thailand), Manong (Perak), Semengoh (Sarawak) and Pasir Mas (Kelantan) were investigated. The samples were extracted using Soxhlet apparatus and the crude extracts were analysed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The mean value of azadirachtin concentrations obtained ranged from 2.33±0.76 ppm g-1 (Pengkalan Arang, Terengganu) to 6.26±0.87 ppm g-1 (Bukit Lagong, Selangor). The highest value of azadirachtin (21.94 ppm g-1) was obtained from an individual tree from the Manong, Perak provenance whereas the lowest value (0.37 ppm g -1) was recorded from Pasir Mas, Kelantan provenance. Azadirachtin concentration from Bukit Lagong and Manong provenances was significantly higher at 5% level than provenances from Pengkalan Arang, Narathiwat, Semengoh and Pasir Mas. The highest yields of azadirachtin were not restricted to a specific provenance but they came from single trees of different origin. Thus, breeding for high-yielding azadirachtin tree would be best based on selection of individual tree within the provenance and inter provenances. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information.