Systematic Phytochemical Screening of Different Organs of Calotropis procera and the Ovicidal Effect of Their Extracts to the Foodstuff Pest Cadra cautella

In developing countries, crop deterioration is mainly caused by inappropriate storage conditions that promote insect infestation. Synthetic pesticides are associated with serious adverse effects on humans and the environment. Thus, finding alternative "green" insecticides is a very pressing need. (Aiton) Dryand (Apocynaceae) growing in Saudi Arabia was selected for this purpose. LC-MS/MS analysis was applied to investigate the metabolic composition of different extracts. Particularly, latex and leaves showed a high presence of cardenolides including calactin, uscharidin, 15β-hydroxy-calactin, 16β-hydroxy-calactin, and 12β-hydroxy-calactin. The ovicidal activity of the extracts from different plant organs (flowers, leaves, branches, roots), and of the latex, against (Walker) (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) was assessed. Extracts of roots displayed the most potent activity with 50% of eggs not hatching at 10.000 ppm (1%).