| Abstract: | The larvicidal component from sawdust of Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondai (Family Cupressaceae) against the pine needle gall midge (Thecodiplosis japonensis) was isolated by chromatographic techniques and characterized by spectral analysis as carvacrol. In a laboratory study using the impregnated filter paper method, carvacrol was more toxic to T. japonensis larvae than β-thujaplicine, cedrol, α-terpinol, thujone or thymol. In field studies with soil injections of carvacrol, this compound exhibited potent larvicidal activity, suggesting that this activity might be attributable to fumigant action. In a test with trunk implantation, a mixture of carvacrol and phosphamidon (0·15+0·15 ml cm-1 diameter at breast height) revealed much more potent larvicidal activity than phosphamidon alone (0·3 ml cm-1 DBH) in spite of little or no larvicidal activity of carvacrol alone (0·3 ml cm-1 DBH), indicating a possible synergistic effect. As a naturally occurring insecticide, carvacrol could be useful as a new preventive agent against damage caused by T. japonensis. © 1997 SCI. |
