Growth inhibitory, immunosuppressive, cytotoxic, and genotoxic effects of γ-terpinene on Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Abstract

Abstractγ-Terpinene, a monoterpene widely present in essential oils of many medicinal and aromatic plants with numerous biological properties, was evaluated for its insecticidal activity against melon fruit fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett). Different concentrations (5, 25, 125, 625, and 3125 ppm) of γ-terpinene along with control were fed to larvae of melon fly. The number of pupae formed and adults emerged declined significantly after treatment. Morphologically deformed adults and pupae were also observed. The developmental duration too prolonged in treated larvae. Food assimilated, mean relative growth rate, larval weight gain, and pupal weight also declined. In the larvae treated with LC30 and LC50 concentrations, there was a decline in the titers of phenoloxidase and total hemocyte count, and variations were observed in the differential hemocyte count, suggesting an immunosuppressive effect of γ-terpinene on melon fly. Both concentrations also led to an increase in the apoptotic and necrotic cells as well as decrease in the viable hemocytes in the circulating hemolymph of treated larvae. Comet parameters (tail length, % tail DNA, tail moment, and olive tail moment) of γ-terpinene fed larvae increased significantly. Given the observed effects of γ-terpinene on normal developmental and nutritional physiology, its immunosuppressive properties, and its potential for genome damage, it can be considered for incorporation into integrated pest management strategies for controlling Z. cucurbitae.

Exploring the Efficacy of Four Apiaceae Essential Oils against Nine Stored-Product Pests in Wheat Protection

“…This molecule has exhibited larvicidal activity against various insects, such as Anopheles anthropophagus (Xu and Feng), Aedes aegypti L., and Aedes albopictus Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae) [ 118 , 119 , 120 , 121 , 122 , 123 ]. It also displayed the ability to suppress the growth and development of Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera, Tephritidae) larvae, compromising the immune system of the insect [ 124 ]. As with other monoterpenoids, γ -terpinene has been reported to be a competitive inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) [ 125 ], but the exact mechanism of action is yet to be defined.…”

Influence of Endogenous Bacteria on Behavioral Responses in Leptocybe invasa: An Analysis of mVOCs

“…In contrast, nonanal did not appear to exert a significant effect on the behavioral inclination of L. invasa . As for γ-terpinene and 2-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, their impact on the insect behavior proved more nuanced and multifaceted, implying that these compounds may have played complex regulatory roles in a myriad of interactions between the insect and its environment [ 48 , 49 ]. Notably, 2,3,6-trichlorobenzaldehyde, classified as an aromatic aldehyde, has been documented to stimulate pronounced electroantennogram responses in Helicoverpa armigera adults [ 50 ].…”