Constituents of Musa balbisiana seeds and their activity against Cryptolestes pusillus

The chloroform and acetone extracts of the seeds of Musa balbisiana Colla (Musaceae) and four of its constituents were assayed in the diet for toxicity against the flat grain beetle (Cryptolestes pusillus Schöherr). A mixture of fatty esters of phytol and the flavan (+)-epiafzelechin showed a significant growth inhibition and toxicity against this economically important pest of stored cereals. The LD50 was 6.3% for the most active compound, (+)-epiafzelechin.