Chemical composition of some Sargassum spp. and their insecticidal evaluation on nucleopolyhedrovirus replication in vitro and in vivo

Abstract

Purpose The application of natural products as well as biological control-specific bioagents, especially the nucleopolyhedrovirus, is considered a very important tool to ensure that pest control does not affect the environment. Methods Chemical constituents screening and determination of pharmacopoeial constants, and minerals and trace elements of the brown algae Sargassum asperifolium, Sargassum dentifolium, and Sargassum linifolium from the Red Sea (Hurghada, Egypt) were carried out. Results and conclusion It was found that Sargassum spp. have a high ash content and were positive for subliminal matter, volatile constituents, carbohydrate content, sterols, and/or triterpenes. In addition, they had high Ca, K, Mg, and Fe contents. The protein content as well as the amino acid composition of the three algae species mentioned were assessed using the Kjeldahl method and an amino acid analyzer, respectively. The hydroalcoholic extracts (70%) of Sargassum spp. under investigation were examined for insecticidal activities in vitro on Spodoptera littoralis (Sl52 cells) and Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9 cells) and in vivo on S. littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus replication. The results showed that the three algae species tested had various insecticidal and antiviral activities.