Effectiveness of ethyl acetate extract from Aspergillus flavipes AUMC 11390 culture filtrate on biological and physiological performance of the spiny bollworm, Earias insulana, (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Nolidae)

Abstract

Abstract Background Spiny bollworm, Earias insulana is a serious cotton pest in Egypt. Besides the economic losses it caused, treatment with chemical insecticides has negative effects on human health and the environment, thus the development of a powerful safe control strategy rather than chemical pesticides is an international goal. Results Ethyl acetate extract from Aspergillus flavipes AUMC 11390 culture filtrate has an insecticidal activity against E. insulana causing larval and pupal mortality of 58.33, and 15.59%, respectively, compared with controls, in addition, reduction in adult's emergency and deformation of emerged adults. The impact of fungal extract treatment extended to adult stages by diminishing the male and the female longevity, the number of produced eggs and the hatchability percent. Furthermore, A. flavipes AUMC 11390 ethyl acetate extract caused a strong disturbance on some insect enzymes including amylase, invertase, trehalase, GOT, GPT and acetylcholinesterase, alongside total lipid and total protein. Analysis of ethyl acetate fungal extract revealed the presence of one hydrocarbon 3-Eicosene and four long-chain alcohols namely hexadecanol, 1-hexadecanol, 1-octadecanol, and 1-pentadecanol which are known for their insecticidal activity. Conclusion A. flavipes AUMC 11390 culture filtrate might represent a promising source for different important bioactive compounds that could be used as a potential biocontrol agent involved in E. insulana management strategies.

Keywords

• Earias insulana
• Aspergillus flavipes
• Long-chain alcohols
• Insecticidal activity