Effect of fungal metabolites and some derivatives against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Nezara viridula (L.)

Two fungal metabolites, aspyrone (3‐(1,2‐epoxypropyl)‐5‐hydroxy‐6‐methyl‐5,6‐dihydropyran‐2‐one) and asperlactone (3‐(1,2‐epoxypropyl)‐5‐(1‐hydroxyethyl)‐5‐furan‐2‐one) were isolated from an Aspergillus ochraceus Wilhelm strain showing IGR activity against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Synthetic derivatives of aspyrone were produced using published methods. These derivatives together with aspyrone and asperlactone were tested for insect growth‐regulating activity against T. castaneum, and for ovicidal activity against Nezara viridula L. Of the compounds tested asperlactone appeared to be the most active.