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The plant defensive activities of the hexane and ethanolic extracts from Dittrichia viscosa and Ferula communis against generalist herbivorous insects (Spodoptera littoralis and Myzus persicae), are described here. Additionally we tested for their effects on nematodes (Meloidogyne javanica) and plants (Lactuca sativa and Lolium perenne). These plant extracts showed variable biological effects, their aphid antifeedant action being the most important. The bioassay-guided search for aphid antifeedant compounds resulted in the isolation of tomentosin (1), inuviscolide (2) and ferulenol (3). Tomentosin (1) rich extracts of D. viscosa were more active than ferulenol (3) rich extracts from F. communis