Cyclohexadienones-insect growth inhibitors from the foliar surface and tissue extracts ofSenecio cannabifolius

Dewaxed leaf surface extracts of 12 plants from Hokkaido, prepared by dipping fresh leaves in chloroform for 3 min, were used in a choice leaf-disk bioassay against larvae of the tobacco cutwormSpodoptera litura. Activity was found only in the extract ofSenecio cannabifolius, a very successful weed in Hokkaido. Individual fractions of the extract, however, were not active. Incorporation of the individual fractions of the surface extracts as well as fractions of the methanolic extracts of the leaf residue into an artificial diet fed to neonateS. litura led to the isolation of ethyl (1-hydroxy-4-oxocyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-yl) acetate, the major surface compound, as the active principle. This compound was also present in the methanolic extract of the leaf residue together with methyl (1-hydroxy-4-oxocyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-yl) acetate, which had the same growth inhibitory effect on the larvae. The presence of these compounds in the foliar surface and tissue suggests a defensive role against herbivores.