GC-MS analysis of petroleum ether extract of Notothylas indica Kashyap for detecting compounds with antifeedant properties

Bryophytes are remarkable group of terrestrial plants that have several adaptations against biotic and abiotic stresses. They are a hoard of metabolites that provide protection against microbes and herbivores. Mostly bryophytes remain untouched by insect larvae as evident from the intact thallus. This can be attributed to the antifeedant compounds present in bryophytes. The current study aims at elucidating the various volatile compounds present in the petroleum ether extract of Notothylas indica and to determine the possible compounds that provide antifeedant properties. Altogether 154 compounds have been detected by GC MS analysis. 25 compounds showed a similarity of above 80 % with the NIST library and hence are evaluated for possible antifeedant activities. Insect/larval deterrent activity in  N. indica may be due to compounds like 2-ethylnaphthalene, caryophyllene, phytol, beta-ionine, tridecane, undecane, tridecene. Since diverse chemicals are present in the extract with potential novelties, there are probabilities of more antifeedant compounds. Segregation and characterization of these chemicals can pave way for documentation of novel chemicals that can be used as antifeedants, thereby reducing the use of chemical pesticides in controlling pest.