Values, benefits and use of Calotropis procera in Southern Iran

Calotropis procera (Aiton) W. T. Aiton (Asclepiadaceae) is a native shrub growing in sub-tropical regions including the southern coasts of the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea from Khuzestan to Baluchistan, Iran. The economic benefits of the shrub include the use of latex and extract to control of plants pests and diseases, the use of natural rubber in the rubber industry, the manufacture of composites and insulators with stem fibers of Calotropis, the production of pure yarn from valuable fibers in the bark, and the use of seed oil for fuel production. The bioassay results indicated that the ethanol extract of C. procera caused a significant mortality on larvae in different stages of Thiacidas postica. It can be used to control a number of pests, including insect defoliator. The extract of C. procera has considerable insecticide, fungicide, anti-feeding, and oviposition-inhibition effects. Its antifungal properties have also been observed and can be used naturally or synthetically in the production of environmentally friendly insecticides and fungicides.