Antifeeding and Insecticidal Activity of Ailanthus altissima and Morus alba Extracts Against Gipsy Moth (Lymantria dispar (L.), Lepidoptera, Lymantridae) Larvae Under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar (L.) is one of most important defoliating pests of deciduous trees. Due to increased environmental demands, the use of plant-based preparations is gaining in importance as a control option for this pest in forestry, agriculture and horticulture. The aim of this study was to evaluate antifeeding and insecticidal activity of 0.5, 1 and 2% extracts of Ailanthus altissima bark and leaves, and Morus alba leaves, against L. dispar larvae under laboratory conditions. Antioxidant capacity of plant extracts was determined, as well as the content of phenolic compounds by spectrophotometric and HPLC-DAD methods. Antifeeding and insecticidal effects were tested in a "no-choice" test. The highest content of all bioactive phenolic compounds was in A. altissima bark and M. alba leaf extracts. The lowest leaf consumption after 24 and 48 h was in A. аltissima bark (5.03, 9.30%, respectively) and M. alba leaf (1.44, 3.22%, respectively) extracts. A. altissima bark and M. alba leaf extracts expressed strong antifeeding activity. After 24 h, all extracts expressed slight insecticidal effect (2.25-17.50% of mortality). The mortality increased after 48 h in treatments with A. altissima bark extract, at all applied concentrations (40.0-57.50%) and M. alba leaves at 1 and 2% concentrations (30.0-62.50%). Our results indicate that extracts of A. altissima bark and M. alba leaves may act as effective low-cost natural protectants able to control the presence of gypsy moth in ecosystems. Extracts of A. altissima bark and M. alba leaves expressed strong antifeeding activity and significant insecticidal effect on gypsy moth larvae, at all applied concentrations.

Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant and DNA-Protective Capacity, and Microscopic Characters of Ailanthus altissima Aerial Substances

“…are reported for A. altissima , which are the basis of its rich pharmacological potential (antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, phytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, anti-tumor, and anti-insecticide properties, etc.) [ 2 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Additionally, the species finds application as a traditional remedy [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 8 , 17 ].…”

“…With the help of various analytical techniques in the plant parts of A. altissima, some representatives of phenolic acids and their derivatives have been identified: benzoic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid; vanillic acid, caffeic acid, etc. poliphenols [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 14 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. According to Poljuha et al [ 27 ], caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid, are predominant in the composition of extracts from dried and fresh leaves of A. altissima .…”

“…According to Poljuha et al [ 27 ], caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid, are predominant in the composition of extracts from dried and fresh leaves of A. altissima . The second, the authors suggest, is involved in the protection of the plant, it has also been proven in other plant substances of the species [ 9 , 14 , 23 , 26 ]. The increased scientific interest in phenolic acids in the species also reveals the presence of ellagic acid, syringic acid, salicylic acid, p -coumaric acid, protocatechuic acid, p -hydroxybenzoic acid, etc.…”

“…The increased scientific interest in phenolic acids in the species also reveals the presence of ellagic acid, syringic acid, salicylic acid, p -coumaric acid, protocatechuic acid, p -hydroxybenzoic acid, etc. [ 10 , 14 , 19 , 21 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 28 , 30 ]. Along with phenolic acids, flavonoids are a group of phenolic metabolites of great pharmacological importance and the focus of part of scientific research on the species.…”

“…Along with phenolic acids, flavonoids are a group of phenolic metabolites of great pharmacological importance and the focus of part of scientific research on the species. Various flavonoid aglycones have been found in the extracts of the above-ground plant parts: apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, hyperoside, as well as their glycosides [ 13 , 14 , 19 , 21 , 23 , 24 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 32 ]. The catechins are established: catechin, epicatechin [ 9 , 21 , 26 ], gallocatechin, epicatechinalate, procyanidins (B1, B2, B3, B4), taxifolin and myricitrin [ 21 ].…”