Abstract
Several representatives of Meliaceae contain biologically active compounds that are toxic to insects with few negative effects on the environment and humans. Our study evaluated the activity of ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts from the fruit and seeds of Cabralea canjerana (Vellozo) Mart (Sapindales: Meliaceae) on Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Limonoids and triterpenes were detected in fruit and seed extracts. Each extract was added to an artificial diet at three concentrations and tested after 24, 48, and 72 hr of extract application. Ethyl acetate extracts were the most active ones and showed the effect of both dose and time elapses after application on the insects. The highest toxic effect on A. fraterculus adults was from ethyl acetate extracts from fruit, followed by extracts from seeds. These extracts showed antifeedant activities. Extract solutions sprinkled on fruits of Carica papaya (L.) (Brassicales: Caricaceae) caused oviposition repellency and negatively affected the biological development of A. fraterculus . Ethyl acetate extracts highly hampered oviposition, but seed extracts showed lesser oviposition deterrence. The fruit and seed extracts diminished pupal viability. Particularly, the ethyl acetate fruit extract caused malformed adults. The sex ratio was also affected, resulting in female predominance for the fruit extract, while the seed extract showed a dose-dependent effect. Low doses caused male abundance, but at higher concentrations the effect was reversed. These encouraging results showed that the C. canjerana extracts have great potential as new tools to be used in integrated pest management programs to protect fruits against A. fraterculus .
Highlights
The South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a key pest of many fruits in Argentina, Uruguay, and the southern and southeastern regions of Brazil (Malavasi et al 2000)
Our study aimed to evaluate the activity of ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts obtained from fruits and seeds of C. canjerana on the ingestion and oviposition by adults and immatures of A. fraterculus
The colors observed with the vanillin/sulfuric acid reagent suggests the presence of both triterpenes and lignan type compounds, the yellow spot detected with the latter that was not seen using copper sulfatephosphoric acid, whereas the reddish-purple color that developed in these cases (Figure 1) indicated the presence of limonoids and triterpenoids, which are the most common type of bioactive compounds reported for different representatives of Meliaceae (RegnaultRoger et al 2004; Hu et al 2011), including Cabralea species, where the presence of dammarane-type triterpenes in branches and stems was highlighted (Braga et al 2006)
Summary
The South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a key pest of many fruits in Argentina, Uruguay, and the southern and southeastern regions of Brazil (Malavasi et al 2000). Larvae of this fly develop in fruits of more than 67 native and cultivated hosts (Zucchi 2000) and may compromise up to 100% of fruit production (Carvalho 2006). The chemical compounds (Kovaleski et al 2000) in these baits kill the pest insects, and harm the applicators and the environment. In organic orchards, essential oils, plant extracts, and soaps may be used (Steffens and Schmutterer 1982; Stark et al 1990; Prokopy and Powers 1995; VanRanden and Roitberg 1998a, b; Salles and Rech 1999; Singh 2003; Khan et al 2007; Ali et al 2011; Efrom et al 2011)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
