Triterpene saponins of <i>Quillaja saponaria</i> show strong aphicidal and deterrent activity against the pea aphid <i>Acyrthosiphon pisum</i>

Abstract

The present insect experiments provide strong evidence that saponins, as tested here with triterpene Q. saponaria saponins, can be useful as natural aphicides and deterrents. Furthermore, the insect midgut epithelium is suggested to be a primary target of saponin activity.