In continuous with our studies in bioactive natural products we investigate toxic and repellent properties of Capparis atamisquea Kuntze against Tribolium castaneum Herbst, a worldwide pest of stored grains. Four crude organic extracts (n-hexane, chloroform, acetone and methanol) and aromatic water of C. atamisquea “Matagusano”, a traditional argentine plant, were tested. Aerial parts were subjected to steam distillation and extracted with organic solvents. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed using TLC reagents. Repellent bioactivity was tested using a two-choice bioassay experiment. Acetone solutions were prepared at doses of 407mg/cm2. Controls were treated with solvent. Response Index (RI) was calculated. (RI=-100 indicate complete repellency and RI=+100 complete attraction). The results showed significant repellence properties for volatile compounds with RI=-70(30min); -76(1h); -80(1.30h); -86.6(2.30h). Crude organic extracts exhibited the same repellence effects that the control.
In adittion toxic properties were investigated by topical application. Among the extracts tested only methanolic extract revealed insect growth regulator (IGR)-like properties caused morphological deformities in adults at doses of 1mL (50mg/mL). Methanolic extract could be a potential agent for integrated pest management (IPM).
