Betulinic acid: A potent insect growth regulator from Ziziphus jujuba against Tribolium confusum [Duval]

Betulinic acid, a terpenoid isolated from the bark of Ziziphus jujuba [Rhamnaceae] exhibited growth regulating activity against the stored grain pest Tribolium confusum [Duval] [Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae]. The fifth instar, sixth instar larvae and pupae were treated with 1μg/μl of Betulinic acid. Interference in moulting process, ecdysial failure and blockage of adult emergence were the important morphogenetic abnormalities observed which resulted in the formation of permanent larvae, larval-pupal intermediates, abnormal pupae, pupal-adult intermediates and deformed adults. These resultant forms were ruled out from further development and reproduction. Our results suggest that Betulinic acid shows an effective insect growth regulating activity and exhibits great promise in suppressing the population of stored grain pest, Tribolium confusum.

Author(s): Vasudha Lingampally*, V. R. Solanki, Vidya Jayaram, Amarjit Kaur and S. Sabita Raja

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