GC×GC-TOF/MS analysis of the seed extract of Wisteria sinensis and the insecticidal activity

Objective  To analyze the chemical composition, insecticidal and antioxidant activities of the seed extract of Wisteria sinensis, and provide a basis for developing botanical pesticide from W. sinensis germplasm resources.

Method  The seed extract of W. sinensis was analyzed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOF/MS). The toxicity against Aphis gossypii was determined by topical application bioassay. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method.

Result  A total of 61 components were identified from the seed extract of W. sinensis, mainly including esters, alkane, arene, etc. The constituents with higher than 9% relative content were p-xylene (14.33%), undecane (11.89%), 1,4-diethyl-benzene (11.02%) and decane (9.54%). The seed extract of W. sinensis showed insecticidal activity against A. gossypii with the LC₅₀ value of 193.22 mg·L^–1 after 24 h treatment, and also showed antioxidant activity with the IC₅₀ value of 4.15 g·L^–1 against DPPH.

Conclusion  The seed extract of W. sinensis has strong insecticidal activity, and has the potential to be developed into a natural insecticide for controlling A. gossypii.