Insecticidal compound against Leptinotarsa decemlineata
The insecticidal properties and their mode of action of efrapeptins, metabolic peptides isolated from the fungus Tolypocladium niveum, were studied in the USA.
Five crude mixtures of efrapeptins showed toxic activity against Heliothis virescens, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (EPPO A2 pest), Spodoptera eridania and Tetranychus urticae. The insecticidal activity of the efrapetins was demonstrated in a usage of the compound as a foliar spray against the Colorado potato beetle. The toxic effect of efrapeptins to certain insects is due to an ATPase inhibition.
Sources
Krasnoff, SB.; Gupta, S.; St. Leger, R.J.; Renwick, J.A.A.; Roberts, D.W. (1991) Antifungal and insecticidal properties of the efrapeptins: metabolites of the fungus Tolypocladium niveum.
Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 58, 180-188.