RESEARCH ON INSECTICIDES FROM PLANTS IN CHINA

An overview is presented on recent (1989–19911 investigations on insecticidal plants in China, specially in South China. The main emphasis was laid on studies of Meliaceae including Azadirachta indica, Melia azedarach and M. toosendan, as well as on Rhododendron molle, Derris elliptica, Tephrosia voglii, Ajuga nipponensis, Plumbago idea and Celastrus anplatus. Research work on the bioactivities and application of essential oils from plants for the control of stored-grain insects is also discussed. The results of these investigations reveal a great potential of the active ingredients of a number of Chinese plants for integrated pest management, as well as for using these natural product models as guides for the synthesis of a novel class of insecticides.