Plant secondary metabolites as potential bioinsecticides? Study of the effects of plant-derived volatile organic compounds on the reproduction and behaviour of the pest beetle Tenebrio molitor

Abstract

Modern agriculture has many environmental consequences, such as soil contamination, accumulation of toxic compounds in the environment or risk of adverse effects on nontarget organisms and for these reasons, scientists are seeking a more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic insecticides. This study investigated the effects of four plant secondary metabolites classified as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have potential as bioinsecticides, (E)-2-decenal, furfural, 2-undecanone and (E,E)-2–4-decadienal, in concentrations 10−5 and 10−7 M, on female reproductive processes and larval hatchability of the Tenebrio molitor beetle. Our study indicates proper development of ovaries after application of compounds however the volume of terminal oocytes was significantly reduced, with the strongest effect of (E)− 2-decenal which reduced the volume approximately three times. The relative vitellogenin expression level was reduced, with the strongest effect observed after application of furfural, (E,E)− 2–4-decadienal and (E)− 2-decenal in concentration 10−7 M, at the same time patency index was significantly reduced up to 2-times after application of furfural at 10−7 M. What is more important morphological changes translated into physiological ones. The number of laid eggs was affected, with the strongest inhibition after application of furfural (∼43% reduction), (E,E)− 2–4-decadienal (∼33%) and (E)− 2-decenal at concentration 10−7 M (∼33%). Moreover, we observed up to 13% (in case of 2-undecanone) decrease in larval hatchability. Tested compounds exhibited a repellent effect and caused 60% reduction of insect survivability after (E)− 2-decenal at concentration 10−5 M. Altogether, VOCs seems like potential bioactive compounds in plant protection.