Effect of Illicium verum (Hook) essential oil on cholinesterase and locomotor activity of Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer)

• Published in: Pesticide biochemistry and physiology 2022-02, Vol.181, p.105027-105027, Article 105027
• Main Authors: Peter, Rejane, Josende, Marcelo Estrella, da Silva Barreto, Juliano, da Costa Silva, Dennis Guilherme, da Rosa, Carlos Eduardo, Maciel, Fábio Everton
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acetylcholinesterase; AChE inhibition; Animals; Biochemical mechanisms; Bioinsecticide; Cattle; Cholinesterases; Coleoptera; Illicium; Insecticides - pharmacology; Locomotion; Locomotor behavior; Oils, Volatile - pharmacology; Vegetable essential oil
• ISSN: 0048-3575; 1095-9939
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.105027

The aim of this work was to test the insecticidal effect of the essential oil of Illicium verum (Hook) by observing the survival, biochemical parameters (acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, glutathione s-transferase (GST) activity and the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS)) and locomotor capacity of the Coleoptera Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer), a pest of beef poultry. The sublethal concentrations (100% survival of A. diaperinus during 96 h of exposure) of I. verum essential oil selected for analysis were 0.5% and 1%. The selected sublethal concentrations did not show significant increases in ROS levels after 24 h of exposure to the essential oil. However, increases in GST activity were seen following exposure to 0.5% I. verum essential oil, while decreases in AChE activity were observed following exposure to concentrations of 0.5% and 1%. These results correlate with the observed behavior of A. diaperinus; when placed into an arena, these insects typically demonstrate aversion to stimuli and refuge-seeking behavior. Following exposure to 0.5% I. verum essential oil, the insects showed loss of refuge-seeking capacity and, following exposure to a concentration of 1%, loss of locomotor capacity. Overall, these results indicate that I. verum essential oil can be used as an alternative to conventional insecticides. [Display omitted] •The insecticidal potential of Illicium verum essential oil has been demonstrated.•Higher concentrations lead to the death of the beetle Alphitobius diaperinus.•Lower concentrations lead to reduced insect behavior.•The reduction in locomotor activity was correlated with the inhibition of cholinesterase activity.•Heatmaps demonstrate changes in insect activity, speed and acceleration.