The seeds of the Neotropical legume, Dioclea megacarpa, the sole food source for developing larvae of the bruchid beetle, Caryedes brasiliensis, contain about 13 percent L-canavanine (dry weight). Canavanine detoxification and utilization produces L-canaline, a potent neurotoxic and insecticidal
Larvae of the bruchid beetle Caryedes brasiliensis feed exclusively on seeds of the Neotropical legume Dioclea megacarpa, which contains 13 percent L-canavanine by dry weight. L-Canavanine, a nonprotein amino acid analog of L-arginine, exhibits potent insecticidal properties. Most of the seed