GC-MS analysis and biopesticide properties of different crude extracts of Annona squamosa and Annona muricata

Abstract

Most common compounds identified by GC-MS analysis of ethanolic extracts from leaves of Annona squamosa (sweetsop) and Annona muricata (soursop) were neophytadiene, hexadecanoic acid, and trans-caryophyllene. Hexadecenoic acid and ethyl oleate were identified in seeds of A. muricata, while only methyl-p-tert-butyl phenylacetate was identified in seeds extract of A. squamosa. Crude extracts were tested for their antifungal activities against postharvest plant pathogens, insecticidal activities against brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) and cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero. Results showed low inhibitory effect (less than 20%) for the pathogenic fungi insecticidal test against cassava mealybug of all crude brown planthopper treated with 5% seed extract of A. squamosa, indicating its potential as an alternative botanical insecticide. Further studies are required to improve yield and extract quality.