Sustainable soil management practices and quality of potato grown on erodible lands

Land productivity can decline when top soil is lost. In Kentucky, limited resource farmers often produce vegetable crops on erodible lands. The objectives of this study were 1) to quantify the impact of three soil management practices (SMPs) on quantity of potato produced on erodible land, 2) to evaluate the impact of pyrethrin and azadirachtin insecticides on potato tuber quality, and 3) to assess the impact of yard waste compost on the chemical composition (ascorbic acid, free sugars, phenol contents) of potato tubers. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Kennebec) were grown in a silty loam soil of 10% slope. Plots (n= 18) were 3.7 m wide and 22 m long (10% slope), with metal borders of 20 cm above ground level. Two botanical insecticides, Multi-Purpose Insecticide (containing pyrethrin 0.2%) and Neemix 4EC (containing 0.25% azadirachtin) were sprayed twice on potato foliage during each of two growing seasons (1997 and 1999) at the recommended rates of 6 lbs and 2 gallons.acre(-1), respectively. The SMPs were tall fescue strips (FS) intercropped between each two potato rows, soil mixed with yard waste compost (COM) and no-mulch (NM) treatment (roto-tilled bare soil). The experimental designwas a 2 x 3 x 3 factorial with main factors of two insecticides and three SMPs replicated three times. Average potato yield was lowest in NM and FS and highest in COM treatments. Yield obtained from the bottom of the plots was greater than that obtained from the top of plots. Tuber defects (rot, scab, sun green, hollow heart, necrosis, and vascular discoloration) were significantly different between the two growing seasons. The two insecticidal treatments did not have much influence on potato yield or tuber defects. Tubers obtained from tall fescue treatments had low levels of ascorbic acid and reducing sugars compared to compost treatments.

Population-level effects of the neem insecticide, Neemix, on Daphnia pulex

Although natural insecticides from the neem tree are generally perceived as less harmful to the environment than synthetic insecticides, new evidence indicates that these products may pose a risk to certain nontarget organisms. In this paper, acute and chronic effects of commercial neem insecticides on the aquatic invertebrate, Daphnia pulex were examined. The acute toxicity of two commercial neem insecticides, Neemix, Azatin and the experimental insecticide, RH-9999 to D. pulex was investigated using traditional 48 hr concentration-mortality estimates. Neemix and Azatin were equitoxic with LC50's of 0.68 and 0.57 ppm; RH-9999 was significantly less toxic with an LC50 of 13 ppm. A 10 d population growth study was conducted for Neemix and a Neemix formulation blank (Neemix devoid of the active ingredients) to determine whether the active ingredients of Neemix and/or components of the formulation were responsible for toxicity. D. pulex populations went to extinction after exposure to a Neemix concentration of 0.45 ppm azadirachtin (equivalent to the acute LC7). Neemix No Observable Effect Concentration (NOEC) and Lowest Observable Effect Concentration (LOEC) values for population growth were 0.045 and 0.15 ppm azadirachtin, respectively. The mean number of offspring per surviving female (Ro) declined in a concentration-dependent manner after exposure to Neemix with no offspring being produced after exposure to 0.45 ppm. Neemix NOEC and LOEC values for reproduction were 0.045 and 0.15 ppm, respectively. The formulation blank caused no mortality in the individuals used to start the population growth study but reduced reproduction and population growth accounting for 47% of the toxicity caused by Neemix at a concentration of 0.15 ppm. Thus, the formulation contributes substantially to the toxicity of Neemix but neem components are also toxic to D. pulex. Because the NOEC for population growth and reproduction were higher than the estimated environmental concentration of 0.035 ppm (a measure developed for forest pest mananagement), Neemix should pose little risk to populations of D. pulex.

Diterpenoid and limonoids from the stem of Pterorhachis zenkeri

One new diterpenoid, methyl 3alpha-hydroxy-7-oxo-dehydroabietate (1), two new limonoids, 3alpha-deacetyl-amoorastatin (2) and 9beta-amoorastatin (3), and the known limonoid amoorastatin (4) were isolated from the stem of Pterorhachis zenkeri.

Azadirachtin, a neem biopesticide: subchronic toxicity assessment in rats

Azadirachtin, a biopesticide obtained from neem, was subjected to subchronic toxicological testing to document its safety for use as a pesticide. Azadirachtin technical 12% orally administered to male and female rats at doses of 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg/day for 90 days did not produce any signs of toxicity, mortality, changes in tissue weight, pathology and serum and blood parameters. It can be suggested that azadirachtin at the highest dose tested is well tolerated by rats of both sexes. The highest dose, 1500 mg/kg, can be used as a basal dose for the determination of the no-observed-effect level (NOEL) of azadirachtin to calculate its safety margin.

New rearranged limonoids from Harrisonia perforata. III

Three new limonoids, named haperforins C2 (1), F (2), and G (3), were isolated from a sample of Harrisonia perforata leaves collected in Central Vietnam. Their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, and their NMR and mass spectral data are reported.

Multivariate calibration for the determination of total azadirachtin-related limonoids and simple terpenoids in neem extracts using vanillin assay

Two-component and multivariate calibration techniques were developed for the simultaneous quantification of total azadirachtin-related limonoids (AZRL) and simple terpenoids (ST) in neem extracts using vanillin assay. A mathematical modeling method was also developed to aid in the analysis of the spectra and to simplify the calculations. The mathematical models were used in a two-component calibration (using azadirachtin and limonene as standards) for samples containing mainly limonoids and terpenoids (such as neem seed kernel extracts). However, for the extracts from other parts of neem, such as neem leaf, a multivariate calibration was necessary to eliminate the possible interference from phenolics and other components in order to obtain the accurate content of AZRL and ST. It was demonstrated that the accuracy of the vanillin assay in predicting the content of azadirachtin in a model mixture containing limonene (25% w/w) can be improved from 50% overestimation to 95% accuracy using the two-component calibration, while predicting the content of limonene with 98% accuracy. Both calibration techniques were applied to estimate the content of AZRL and ST in different parts of the neem plant. The results of this study indicated that the relative content of limonoids was much higher than that of the terpenoids in all parts of the neem plant studied.

Constituents of Carapa granatum fruits

The isolation of 6alpha,11beta-diacetoxygedunin (1) and other minor constituents from Carapa granatum fruits is reported.

Cytotoxicity of azadirachtin A in human glioblastoma cell lines

The neem toxin azadirachtin A exhibits selective toxicity on insects. Despite its well-proven efficacy, the mode of action of this toxin remains obscure. The toxicity on vertebrate cells compared to insect cells is also not well characterized. We have cultivated six human glioblastoma cell lines G-28, G-112, G-60 (TP53 mutant) and G-44, G-62, G-120 (TP53 wild-type) in the presence of 28 microM of azadirachtin. This toxin concentration was chosen because it represents the 25 to 50% lethal dose in the glioma cells. Toxicity was measured in terms of cell proliferation (binucleation index), formation of micronuclei and cell survival. In the TP53 mutant cell lines, azadirachtin reduced the proportion of dividing cells and induced formation of micronuclei. Except for G-44 which showed a decrease in binucleation index, proliferation in the TP53 wild-type cell lines was unaffected by azadirachtin. In the TP53 wild-type cell lines, the decrease in micronuclei frequency is attributed to fewer cells entering mitosis to produce micronuclei. This is also apparent from the low surviving fractions. Cell survival was suppressed by 25-69% in all cell lines. The reduction of cell survival is a clear indication that azadirachtin affects reproductive integrity and cell division. The induction of micronuclei reflects DNA damage. Similar studies on damage induction in insect cell lines could elucidate the processes which precede the antifeedant and antimoulting effects of azadirachtin and other neem toxins in insects.

Inhibition of azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis in male F344 rats by the citrus limonoids obacunone and limonin

The modifying effects of dietary administration of the citrus limonoids obacunone and limonin on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon tumorigenesis were investigated in two experiments in male F344 rats. In a pilot study, we examined the modifying effects of obacunone and limonin on AOM-induced (20 mg/kg body wt, once a week for 2 weeks) formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF). Dietary feeding of both compounds at dose levels of 200 and 500 p.p.m. during AOM exposure for 4 weeks ('initiation' feeding) or after AOM treatment for 4 weeks ('post-initiation' feeding) significantly inhibited ACF formation (55-65% reduction by 'initiation' feeding, P < 0.001; 28-42% reduction by 'post-initiation' feeding, P < 0.05-0.002). In a long-term study designed to confirm the protective effects of obacunone and limonin on ACF development, one group was treated with AOM alone and another four groups received the carcinogen treatment plus diets containing 500 p.p.m. test compounds for 3 weeks (initiation phase) or 29 weeks (post-initiation phase). Two groups were treated with obacunone or limonin alone (500 p.p.m. in diet) and one group was maintained on the basal diet. At the termination of the study, dietary exposure to obacunone or limonin during the initiation phase was found to have significantly reduced the incidence of colonic adenocarcinoma (72 versus 25 or 6%, P = 0.004 or 0.00003). Obacunone or limonin feeding during the post-initiation phase also reduced the frequency of colonic adenocarcinoma (72 versus 13%, P = 0.0002). Our results suggest that the citrus limonoids obacunone and limonin might be useful for the prevention of human colon cancers.

Plant-growth inhibitory activity of cedrelanolide from Cedrela salvadorensis

The effect of cedrelanolide, the most abundant limonoid isolated from Cedrela salvadorensis (Meliaceae), was assayed as a plant-growth inhibitory compound against monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous seeds. This compound inhibited germination, seed respiration, and seedling dry weights of some plant species (Lolium multiflorum, var. Hercules, Triticum vulgare, var. Salamanca, Physalis ixocarpa, and Trifolium alexandrinum). Our results indicate that cedrelanolide interferes with monocot preemergence properties, mainly energy metabolism of the seeds at the level of respiration. In addition, the compound inhibits photophosphorylation, H+ uptake, and noncyclic electron flow. This behavior might be responsible for its plant-growth inhibitory properties and its possible role as an allelopathic agent.

Pesticidal properties of parthenin (from Parthenium hysterophorus) and related compounds

Eleven sesquiterpene lactone derivatives of parthenin (1), obtained from wild feverfew, Parthenium hysterophorus, were prepared by chemical and photochemical transformations. The compounds tested were a pyrazoline adduct (2) of parthenin, its cyclopropyl (3) and propenyl (4) derivatives, anhydroparthenin (5), a dihydro-deoxygenated product (6), a formate (7) and its corresponding alcohol (8) and acetate (9), a rearranged product (10), lactone (11) and hemiacetal (12). All these derivatives, along with parthenin, were tried for their antifeedant action against sixth-instar larvae of Spodoptera litura, for insecticidal activity against the adults of store grain pest Callosobruchus maculatus, for phytotoxic activity against Cassia tora, and for nematicidal activity against the juvenile stage-II (J2) of the root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Antifeedent bioassay revealed that parthenin is moderately antifeedant. Among the derivatives, the saturated lactone (11) was found to be about 2.25 times more active than parthenin. The pyrazoline adduct (2) was found to be the most effective as an insecticide, with LC50 values after 24, 48 and 72 h of 96, 43 and 32 mg litre-1, respectively, which are comparable with neem extract. Compound 4 was found to be the most effective inhibitor of germination and seedling growth of C tora, with ID50 values for germination, plumule length and radicle length of 136, 326 and 172 compared with 364, 738 and 427 mg litre-1, respectively, for parthenin. Compound 10 was found to be the most effective in terms of nematicidal activity. The LC50 values for this compound were 273 and 104 mg litre-1, respectively, after 48 and 72 h compared with 862 and 512 mg litre-1 observed for parthenin after 48 and 72 h.

Characterization of azadirachtin binding to Sf9 nuclei in vitro

[22,23-(3)H(2)]dihydroazadirachtin was incorporated by Sf9 cells in culture and was bound specifically to the nuclear fraction. The observed association constant of the binding of the radioligand to a purified nuclear fraction was determined to be 0.037 +/- 0.008 min(-1) using a one-phase exponential association equation, and binding appeared to be to a single population of sites. The binding was essentially irreversible, and the dissociation constant was estimated to be 0.00065 +/- 0.00013 min(-1). An association rate constant of 7.3 x 10(6) M(-1) min(-1) was calculated from these data. Binding was saturable, and the receptor number and affinity were determined as B(max) = 23.87 +/- 1.15 pmol/mg protein, K(d) = 18.1 +/- 2.1 nM. The order of potency of semisynthetic azadirachtin analogues for competition for the binding site was as follows (IC(50) in parentheses): azadirachtin (1.55 x 10(-8) M) > dihydroazadirachtin (3.16 x 10(-8) M) > dansyl dihydroazadirachtin (7.40 x 10(-8) M) > DNP-azadirachtin (7.50 x 10(-8) M) > biotin dihydroazadirachtin (1.27 x 10(-7) M) >> 11-methoxy 22,23-dihydroazadirachtin (6.67 x 10(-7) M). [Originally published in Volume 34, Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, 34:461-473 (1997).]

A limonoid from Trichilia estipulata

The limonoid 21,24,25,26,27-pentanor-15,22-oxo-7alpha,23-dihydroxy-apotirucalla(eupha)-1-en-3-one was isolated from the dichloromethane extract of the stem bark of Trichilia estipulata. Its structure was established by spectroscopic methods (UV, EIMS, 1H and 13C NMR, HMQC and HMBC).

Immunostimulatory effect of azadirachtin in Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters)

The effect of azadirachtin, a triterpenoid derived from Azadirachta indica on the immune response was studied in the freshwater teleost, O. mossambicus. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) were used as antigens to evoke immune response. The immune responses in fish were measured by quantifying antibodies produced and counting the peripheral blood leucocytes in control and experimental fish. In general, azadirachtin significantly enhanced the antibody response and leucocyte count in a dose dependent manner. An inverse relationship was observed between the dose of azadirachtin and the degree of immunostimulation. Timing of azadirachtin administration in relation to immunization revealed that the maximum enhancement of antibody response was observed when the stimulant was given two days prior to immunization. The observed immunostimulatory property of azadirachtin has an implication in the maintenance of finfish health in freshwater intensive aquaculture practices.

Photooxidation of cedrelone, a tetranortriterpenoid from Toona ciliata

Cedrelone, a tetranortriterpenoid on photolysis by UV light yields a true photooxidation product 3 [14 beta,15beta,22beta,23beta-diepoxy-6-hydroxy-1,5, 20(22)-meliatriene-2,7,21-trione] whose structure is well established by NMR studies and confirmed by X-ray crystallography, along with product 4 [14 beta,15beta-epoxy-6,23-dihydroxy-1,5,20(22)-meliatriene-2,7, 21-trione]. Addition of rose bengal increases the rate of photooxidation whereas DABCO decreases rate of photolysis proving the involvement of singlet oxygen in the photooxygenation. Both the photoproducts exhibited antifeedant activity.

Calorimetric evidence of differentiated transport of limonin and nomilin through biomembranes

The effect exerted by two structurally similar limonoids possessing antifeedant and anticancer activity, limonin and nomilin, on the thermotropic behavior of model membranes constituted by dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) vesicles was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. Attention was directed to evaluate modifications in phytochemical-lipid interaction induced by compound structure and lipophilicity and to evidence their different membrane penetration. The two examined compounds, when dispersed in liposomes during their preparation, were found to exert a very different action on the L(beta)-L(alpha) gel-to-liquid crystal phase transition of DMPC multilamellar vesicles. Nomilin caused a detectable effect on the transition temperature (T(m)), shifting it toward lower values with a concomitant small decrease of the associated enthalpy (DeltaH) changes, while limonin was not able to modify the lipid vesicles thermotropic behavior. Modifications induced by nomilin were a function of phytochemical concentration, while the different behavior of limonin can be due to the different polarity induced by the presence of the single A ring in nomilin that possesses an acetyl group versus the A,A' ring system of limonin. Solid limonoids and aqueous dispersions of multilamellar (MLVs) or unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) (limonoids molar fraction 0. 045, 0.12, and 0.18) were left in touch for long incubation times at temperatures higher than T(m) to detect their spontaneous transfer through the medium. By following this procedure, no interaction was detected for limonin with lipid vesicles. The rate of transfer and interaction of nomilin was a function of the kind of vesicle species (faster for LUV, slower for MLV). The interaction, monitored by compound transfer from the solid phytochemical to the lipidic species after several periods of incubation, was on the same order as that detected by preparation carried out in organic solvent. The obtained results can be explained in terms of compound hydrophobicity, and a relation between compound structure and membrane interaction can be suggested. This allows the membrane interaction with nomilin, but the low water solubility of limonin hinders or totally blocks its transfer through the aqueous medium.

Limonoids and phytol derivatives from Cedrela sinensis

Two new compounds, cedrellin (1) and 2,6,10,15-phytatetraene-14-ol (2), together with five known compounds, 7 alpha-obacunyl acetate, 6-acetoxyobacunol acetate, 7 alpha-acetoxydihydronomilin, 2,6,10-phytatriene-1,14,15-triol and phytol were isolated from leaves of Cedrela sinensis. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of combined one- and two-dimensional spectral techniques.

Effect of emulsion size and shelf life of azadirachtin A on the bioefficacy of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) emulsifiable concentrates

In a study of 33 recipes of neem oil based emulsifiable concentrates, the specific surface area of the emulsions and cream plus oil layer separation in emulsions at 24 h revealed a correlation of -0.6874 between them and correlations of -0.8940 and 0.6972, respectively, with bioefficacy (LC(50)) against the 3-day-old second-instar larvae of the Bihar hairy caterpillar, Spilosoma obliqua Walker. Nearly 96-99% of azadirachtin A in emulsifiable concentrates (aza-A content = 617.93-1149.65 ppm) degraded during the heat stability test at 54 +/- 1 degrees C for 14 days with half-lives ranging between 1.84 and 4.53 days. The LC(50) values against S. obliqua were, however, statistically at par in both the pre- and the post-heat-treated samples, suggesting a similar effect of azadirachtin A and its degradation products on the bioactivity. The half-life of azadirachtin A could be enhanced by storing the concentrates at lower temperatures. A low pH of the formulation solvent did not check the degradation of azadirachtin A, as reported with aqueous solutions in the literature.

Rapid and sensitive analysis of azadirachtin and related triterpenoids from Neem (Azadirachta indica) by high-performance liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Based on reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) mass spectrometry, a HPLC-MS method was developed to permit the rapid qualitative and quantitative analysis of azadirachtin and related tetranortriterpenoids from seeds and tissue cultures of Neem (Azadirachta indica). APCI+ standard scanning mass spectra of the major Neem triterpenoids were recorded and utilized to select suitable ions for selected ion monitoring (SIM). Transitions for selective reaction monitoring (SRM) were based on MS-MS experiments. Using SIM, major Neem triterpenoids were detected in callus culture material and seed kernels of A. indica. The limit of detection for azadirachtin in extract samples (approximately 1 ng ml(-1) or 10 pg in SIM mode) was determined to be (with respect to injected absolute amounts) approximately 1000-times lower than values quoted in the literature for existing HPLC methods (approximately 200 ng ml(-1) or 10 ng). In addition to high sensitivity, the HPLC-MS method is able to tolerate minimal sample preparation and purification, dramatically reducing total analysis time.

Effect of fatty acids and oils on photodegradation of azadirachtin-A

Azadirachtin-A on exposure to UV-light (254 nm) as a thin film on glass surface gave a isomerised (Z)-2-methylbut-2-enoate product. Half-life of azadirachtin-A as thin film under UV light was found to be 48 min. Azadirachtin-A was irradiated along with saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, and fatty oils under ultra-violet light as thin film. Saturated fatty acid increased the rate of photodegradation of azadirachtin-A, whereas unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic, linoleic and elaidic acid reduced the rate of degradation. Castor, linseed and olive oil accelerated the rate of degradation, whereas neem oil showed no or little change in the rate of degradation of azadirachtin-A. None of these fatty acids and fatty oils were effective in controlling the rate of degradation of azadirachtin-A under UV-light as thin film.

Field evaluation of integrated pest management-compatible pesticides for the citrus leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) and its parasitoid Ageniaspis citricola (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

Potentially selective and integrated pest management (IPM)-compatible pesticides for the citrus leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton and its parasitoid Ageniaspis citricola Logvinovskaya were compared under nursery field conditions at Gainesville, FL. In 1996, replicated blocks of young grapefruit trees were treated with 2% petroleum oil and 1 x the lowest recommended field rate (LRFR) of diflubenzuron + oil (0.4%). Untreated and treated controls (avermectin at 1 x the LRFR + oil) were included. In 1997, blocks were treated with oil (3%), 1 x the LRFR of azadirachtin + oil, 1 x the LRFR of diflubenzuron + oil and 0.1 x the LRFR of avermectin + oil. Untreated and treated controls were again included. Oil at 3%, azadirachtin at 1 x the LRFR + 0.4% of oil, and diflubenzuron at 1 x the LRFR + 0.4% of oil were shown to be IPM-compatible pesticides. In 1997, these blocks had fewer mines per leaf and P. citrella pupae parasitized by A. citricola per total leaves sampled compared with the untreated control but more than the treated control (alpha = 0.05). Avermectin at 0.1 x the LRFR + 0.4% of oil was not considered an IPM-compatible pesticide because, while it reduced the number of P. citrella mines per leaf, it reduced the number of A. citricola to levels as low as the treated control. Actual P. citrella infestation levels had no detectable effect on tree growth and vigor. Pesticide applications were not justified when P. citrella infestations were < 1 mine per leaf and the biological control agent A. citricola was present.

Structure-antifeedant activity relationship of clerodane diterpenoids. Comparative study with withanolides and azadirachtin

A structure-antifeedant activity relationship (SAR) study of clerodane diterpenoids was carried out. Attention was focused on the feeding-deterrent activities exhibited toward Tenebrio molitor by clerodane diterpenoids and withanolides. Azadirachtin was chosen as a reference compound. SAR studies on the clerodane compounds indicate that the stereoelectronic factors are more important than the hydrophobic aspects as determinants of antifeedant activity. A furan ring in the side chain and a carbonyl alpha,beta-unsaturated (or spiro-epoxide) group appear to be indispensable for the biological response. A conformational study indicate that the optimum interatomic distance between these moieties is a range between 9.5 and 10.5 A. In addition, a similar stereoelectronic response was found among withanolides and azadirachtin. On the basis of these results it is reasonable to imagine a closely related chemical mechanism for these compounds.

Screening for limonoid glucosides in Citrus tangerina (Tanaka) Tseng by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

A screening method for limonoid glucosides in the peel of Citrus tangerina (Tanaka) Tseng, which utilizes high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode-array detection and interfaced to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, has been developed. In this way, the UV-Vis spectra and the mass spectra indicate the presence of limonoid glucosides without the necessity of isolating the individual compounds. Two major limonoid glucosides--obacunone glucoside (OG) and nomilin glucoside (NG)--were identified in the methanol extract of the peel. The two limonoid glucosides were taken as the target and isolated by means of preparative HPLC on a C18 reversed-phase column with an acidic acetonitrile-water mobile phase. The structures of OG and NG were further confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry.