Insecticidal properties of Solanum nigrum and Armoracia rusticana extracts on reproduction and development of Drosophila melanogaster

• Published in: Ecotoxicology and environmental safety 2018-10, Vol.162, p.454-463
• Main Authors: Chowański, Szymon, Chudzińska, Ewa, Lelario, Filomena, Ventrella, Emanuela, Marciniak, Paweł, Miądowicz-Kobielska, Mariola, Spochacz, Marta, Szymczak, Monika, Scrano, Laura, Bufo, Sabino Aurelio, Adamski, Zbigniew
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Armoracia rusticana; Botanical insecticides; Drosophila melanogaster; Glucosinolates; Glycoalkaloids; Plant extracts; Solanum nigrum; Sublethal toxicity
• ISSN: 0147-6513; 1090-2414
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.07.030

Plant-derived substances, because of high biological activity, arouse interest of many scientists. Thus, plant extracts and pure substances are intensively studied on various insects as potential insecticides. In such studies, D. melanogaster is one of the most important model organisms. In our studies, we analysed the contents of two plant extracts and tested the activity of their main components against fruit flies and compared observed effects to effects caused by crude extracts. Then, we assessed the development of the next, unexposed generation. The chemical analysis of extracts revealed the presence of numerous glycoalkaloids and glucosinolates in Solanum nigrum and Armoracia rusticana extracts. These extracts, as well as their main components, revealed lethal and sublethal effects, such as the altered developmental time of various life stages and malformations of imagoes. Interestingly, the results for the extracts and pure main compounds often varied. Some of the results were also observed in the unexposed generation. These results confirm that the tested plants produce a range of substances with potential insecticidal effects. The different effects of extracts and pure main components suggest the presence of minor compounds, which should be tested as insecticides. •The analysis of tested extracts revealed the presence of numerous glycoalkaloids and glucosinolates.•Major secondary metabolites and crude extracts revealed lethal and sublethal toxicity against Drosophila melanogaster.•The toxicity of the extracts was often higher than that in the case of pure main secondary metabolites.•The progeny of the exposed insects developed faster than in control, likely resulting from the selective pressure.