Polyphenolic extracts from the olive mill wastewater as a source of biopesticides and their effects on the life cycle of the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Diptera, Tephriditae)

Abstract

The Mediterranean Fruit Fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera, Tephriditae) is an important pest in the Mediterranean region causing severe economic losses. Currently, pyrethroids are the most common insecticides used in the control of the Medfly. However, the demand for biopesticides is growing due to the necessity to limit the use of hazardous chemical pesticides in the context of the integrated pest management. In this context, a valid alternative is the use of plant derived pesticides with a selective action against target pests and a shorter persistence in ecosystems.Among plant products, olive tree phenolic and polyphenolic compounds show potent bioactive properties as insecticides and growth regulators. The olive mill wastewater is an important source of these compounds.We are reporting here that the polyphenolic fractions of the olive mill wastewater, show ovicidal effects in terms of reduction of the hatching rate, whereas the larval development is not affected by the treatments.On the adults, we show that selected fractions induce a complete block of the fecundity of the females probably due to an induced disruption of the oogenesis.These results suggest that the polyphenolic fractions derived from the olive mill wastewater can be used as a strong natural chemosterilant against the Mediterranean Fruit fly and can be considered as a putative ovicidal agent.

Polyphenolic extracts from pomegranate and watermelon wastes as substrate to fabricate sustainable silver nanoparticles with larvicidal effect against Spodoptera littoralis

“…The synergism mechanism may be due to plant aqueous extract synthesized AgNPs with insecticidal potentiation ( Gul et al, 2016 ). AgNPs are more reactive because of their increased surface to volume ratio and excess of the phenolic compounds that attached to nanoparticles surface ( Vani and Brindhaa, 2013 , Di Ilio and Cristofaro, 2021 ). Besides they can absorbed easily into the cuticular lipids causing physical damage ( Barik et al, 2008 ) and causing partial lysis of the midgut epithelial cells; vesicles and damaged membranes at the apical side of epithelial cells ( Foldbjerg et al, 2015 , Sultana et al, 2018 ).…”

Plant-Derived Pesticides as an Alternative to Pest Management and Sustainable Agricultural Production: Prospects, Applications and Challenges

“…Although, resistance to azadirachtin has been demonstrated [ 57 ], indicating that insects can develop resistance to natural hormones or hormone-related compounds; however, this class of compounds remains a natural potential for commercial bio-based pesticides [ 55 ]. Additionally, complex polyphenolic fractions also present a wide range of insecticidal activities, interfering with the fecundity and inducing the disruption of the oogenesis [ 58 , 59 ] (WO 94/13141).…”

Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Moroccan Citrus orchards: Chemical and Sustainable Control Methods and Priorities for Future Research

“…These materials have shown promising results in pest control, including medfly. 52 In parallel, natural enemies need to be investigated deeply because of their direct effect on pest insects. Remarkably, these entomopathogens are suggested to be well adapted inside orchards.…”

“…The demand for biopesticides in agriculture is increasing due to the need to limit hazardous chemical pesticides. 52 In this context, the close alternative uses pesticide substances derived from biological materials with selective action against target pests and less persistence in ecosystems. Although farmers may control medflies through chemical use in Morocco, awareness of their destructive impacts is rising.…”