2, 3-Dimethylmaleic anhydride (3, 4-Dimethyl-2, 5-furandione): A plant derived insecticidal molecule from Colocasia esculenta var. esculenta (L.) Schott

The phasing out of methyl bromide as a fumigant, resistance problems with phosphine and other
fumigants in stored product beetles, and serious concern with human health and environmental safety
have triggered the search for alternative biofumigants of plant origin. Despite the identification of
a large number of plants that show insecticidal activity, and the diversity of natural products with
inherent eco-friendly nature, newer biofumigants of plant origin have eluded discovery. Using a
bioassay driven protocol, we have now isolated a bioactive molecule from the root stock of Colocasia
esculenta (L.) and characterized it as 2, 3-dimethylmaleic anhydride (3, 4-dimethyl-2, 5-furandione)
based on various physico-chemical and spectroscopic techniques (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and Mass). The
molecule proved to be an efficient biofumigant which is highly toxic to insect pests for stored grains
even at very low concentration, but has no adverse effect on seed germination. We finally address the
potential for this molecule to become a, effective biofumigant.