ALLELOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE TROPICAL LEGUME TEPHROSIA SPP. AGAINST THE DIAPREPES ROOT WEEVIL

Authors: Lapointe, Stephen; McKenzie, Cindy; Hunter, Wayne

Submitted to: Florida Entomological Society Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/2002
Publication Date: 7/25/2002
Citation: Lapointe, S.L., Mckenzie, C.L., Hunter, W.B. 2002. Allelochemical properties of the tropical legume tephrosia spp. against the diaprepes root weevil. Florida Entomological Society Annual Meeting.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The Leguminosae produce allelochemicals with behavioral and toxic effects. Species of Tephrosia produce a range of flavonoids including isoflavonoid rotenoids with insecticidal activity. We characterized antifeedant and toxic properties of 2 Tephrosia species. T. candida detered adult feeding, reduced oviposition, and increased larval mortality of Diaprepes root weevil compared with T. vogelii and a citrus control. Possible uses of T. candida include a suppressive mulch, intercrop, or source of a Diaprepes-active botanical insecticide.