Abstract Several insecticidal compounds have been identified by bioassaydriven fractionation of avocado, Persea americana Mill, idioblast cell oil. A flash chromatography fraction of the oil showed substantial toxicity to early instars of the generalist insect herbivore, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner)(100% mortality after seven days). Following further fractionation, five biologically active compounds, 2-(pentadecyl) furan, 2-(heptadecyl) ...
