Abstract
We determined the efficacy of Ailanthus altissima extracts, obtained using solvents of various polarity, in terms of acute and
chronic toxicity, antifeedant efficacy and larval growth inhibition of Spodoptera littoralis. Different efficacy was found for
individual fractions, in terms of both acute and chronic toxicity, as well as antifeedant efficacy and growth inhibition of S.
littoralis larvae. Fractions 1 and 2, obtained at the beginning of the separation period, were the only ones to cause significant
chronic toxicity accompanied by larval growth inhibition. A major proportion of tocopherol isomers were detected in these
fractions. On the contrary, fractions 5 and 6 caused acute toxicity, associated with significant antifeedant efficacy and related
strong growth inhibition of S. littoralis larvae. Five major quassinoids (Ailanthone, Chaparrinone, Glaucarubinone, 13(18)-
Dehydroglaucarubinone and Shinjulactone H) were detected in fraction 5, which showed the greatest efficacy in terms of
acute toxicity and feed intake inhibition of S. littoralis. Methanol extracts or active substances obtained from A. altissima
leaves can be recommended for the development of new botanical insecticides targeted against some phytophagous larval
species of butterfly pests.
