Insecticidal activity of inhibitors of polyamine biosynthesis on Spodoptera litura F. larvae.

The inhibitors of polyamine (PA) biosynthesis such as alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), methylglyoxal bis (guanylhydrazone) (MGBG) and bis (cyclohexylammonium) sulphate (BCHA) have been used to protect crop plants from pathogenic fungi. In this communication the insecticidal activity of these inhibitors on tobacco caterpillar, S. litura has been reported. All the inhibitors exhibited insecticidal activity; MGBG being more effective than others. The results suggest, for the first time, a possible avenue for the control of insect pests by specific inhibition of insect PA biosynthesis.