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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Invasive Insect Biocontrol & Behavior Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #318754

Research Project: Prevention of Arthropod Bites

Location: Invasive Insect Biocontrol & Behavior Laboratory

Title: Arthropod deterrents from Artemisia pallens (Davana oil) components

Author
item BHAGAVATHY, GANGA - Non ARS Employee
item VELAZQUEZ-NIEVES, GLORY - Non ARS Employee
item Webb, Meiling
item Chauhan, Kamlesh

Submitted to: Natural Product Communications
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/2/2015
Publication Date: 8/12/2015
Citation: Bhagavathy, G., Velazquez-Nieves, G., Webb, M.Z., Chauhan, K.R. 2015. Arthropod deterrents from Artemisia pallens (Davana oil) components. Natural Product Communications. 10:1335-1336.

Interpretive Summary: In continuation of our ongoing research interests in the development of naturally occurring repellents with feeding deterrent activity against arthropod pests, we developed a short synthesis of key component(davanone), along with the other analogues present in the essential oil (Davana oil). This communication also reports preliminary screening of davanone and its precursor as a mosquito deterrent/repellent. Public seeking natural alternative to deter biting insects may use this information.

Technical Abstract: Davanone, a key sesquiterpene component of davana oil, has been synthesized in five convenient steps. Oxygenated sesquiterpenes have been linked to insect deterrent properties. Based on initial screening of davana oil, davanone and its hydroxy precursors have been generated and are being evaluated as arthropod deterrents against disease vectors.