Cymodocea serrulata as sources of biopesticides: A novel approach managing crop insects in Solanum melongena L. (Solanales: Solanaceae)

• Published in: Sustainable chemistry and pharmacy 2024-12, Vol.42, p.101797, Article 101797
• Main Authors: Ravichandran, Mythili, Anitha, Rani Elavarasan, Sureshkumar, B.T., Ajith Kumar, T.T., Manoharadas, Salim, Ahmad, Naushad, Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Dineshkumar, R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aphids; Aphis gossypii; Bemisia argentifolii; bioassays; Bioinsecticide; biopesticides; C. serrulata; cardiac glycosides; Cymodocea; dose response; Dysdercus cingulatus; Dysdercus suturellus; flavonoids; green chemistry; India; lethal dose; mortality; Pesticidal activity; phenolic compounds; quantitative analysis; Seagrass; seagrasses; Solanum melongena; statistical analysis; sustainable agriculture; terpenoids; ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy
• ISSN: 2352-5541; 2352-5541
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scp.2024.101797

The present investigation explored the potential of seagrass, Cymodocea serrulata (R. Brown) Ascherson and Manus as natural eco-friendly bioinsecticides for sustainable agriculture. Seagrass samples were collected from coastal regions of Rameswaram district, Tamil Nadu, India. It was identified and subjected to ethanolic extraction, followed by qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides. Furthermore, the bioactive compounds were characterized by TLC, HPLC, GC-MS, Uv–visible spectroscopy, and FT-IR. Moreover, the bio efficacy was tested against aphids, whiteflies, and cotton stainer bugs using lethal dosage, no-choice feeding, and leaf-dipping bioassays at varying concentrations. Statistical analysis assessed efficacy, and mortality and survival rates were evaluated over time. The ethanolic extraction yielded 14.8% bioactive compounds, which were rich in phenolics (76.12 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoids (85.01 mg QE/g extract). Furthermore, characterization by TLC, HPLC, GC-MS, UV–visible spectroscopy, and FT-IR revealed the presence of various phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Bioefficacy tests were conducted against Aphis gossypii (aphids), Bemisia argentifolii (whiteflies), and Dysdercus cingulatus (cotton stainer bugs). The study on C. serrulata extract demonstrated significant bio-efficacy, particularly against aphids (Aphis gossypii), with a mortality rate of 57.23 ± 4.72% at 0.5 ml L−1, while whiteflies (Bemisia argentifolii) and cotton stainer bugs (Dysdercus cingulatus) showed lower mortality rates at the same concentration (33.42 ± 2.37% and 21.22 ± 3.91%, respectively). A dose-dependent response was observed, with the highest concentration (50 ml) reducing aphid survival to 55.5% after 14 days. The leaf-dipping bioassays revealed that whiteflies reached 82% mortality within 48 h, underscoring the time-dependent effectiveness of the extract. The nymphicidal bioassay highlighted the superior efficacy of higher concentrations (20 ml L−1), with aphids showing 91.65 ± 1.13% mortality by day 8. Significant dose-response relationships were observed, with higher concentrations providing increased efficacy, especially against aphids. These findings suggest that C. serrulata ethanolic extract has demonstrated considerable bioinsecticidal potential, particularly against aphids, and could be a potent, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides, offering a sustainable solution for pest manageme