FOLLOWING the isolation of two compounds with insecticidal activity from Calceolaria andina,
Kew scientists have used the Gardens' living collections to survey related
species for similar chemicals and to identify species that, potentially,
could be cropped to provide raw material for the commercial production of
plant-based insecticides. The initial discovery resulted from a British Technology
Group funded collaborative programme in which Chilean plants, collected by
staff of the Laboratory of Ecological Chemistry, University of Chile, were
sent to the University of Southampton's Agrochemical Evaluation Unit for initial
screening; those showing insecticidal activity were then sent to the Institute
of Arable Crops Research, Rothamstead, for further evaluation and isolation
of the active compounds. The two new compounds, both naphthaquinones, are
active against aphids, whiteflies and mites - important pests that have developed resistance
to many commercial pesticides. Although it may take several years for any product
to come onto the market from this research, agreements are in place to ensure that
the University of Chile, and all the other organisations involved, would
benefit from the proceeds.
Above: Monique Simmonds and Paul Green, who surveyed Kew's Calceolaria collection
for new insecticides.
Contact: Dr Monique Simmonds (0181-332 5328)
Email: Monique Simmonds
Details from Dr Hew Prendergast.
Contact: Dr Phillip Cribb (0181-332 5245)
Email: Phillip Cribb
Contact: Dr Peter Brandham (0181-332 5318)
Email: Peter Brandham
Contact: Noel McGough (0181-332 5722)
Email: Noel McGough
Email: Peter Gasson
THE first General Workshop of Plantas do Nordeste (PNE) in Recife, north east Brazil (17-18 April 1996), will mark the completion of Phase I of the programme and will bring together all those supporting PNE or who work within it. The Workshop will provide an opportunity to evaluate the first three years of work, promote the research results and other products, and allow new projects to be presented to interested potential funders and the public. It will be a high profile event with prominent scientists and politicians present, including the Vice-President of the Republic of Brazil. The self-evaluation process will provide fundamental feedback for any future restructuring of PNE's strategy and policies, ensuring that PNE's activities bring real socio-economic benefits to local people.
Contact: Karen Pipe-Wolferstan (0181-332 5710)
Email: Karen Pipe-Wolferstan
The odour produced by the inflorescence of Arum maculatum, which seems to
attract its pollinator, the owl midge Psychoda phalaenoides, has been found
to consist of 56 compounds. It possibly mimics the odour of cow dung, the
normal breeding habitat of Psychoda - both produce indole and cresol. Contact: Dr Geoffrey Kite (0181-332 5368)
Email: Geoffrey Kite