Genome-wide DNA Mutability and Biochemical Effects of Novel Insecticides in the Control of Date Palm Fruit Pest Ephestia cautella (Walker)

Abstract

Different pests attack date palm fruits during all the stages of maturity. Almond moth (Ephestia cautella) is a destructive insect of stored products, such as dates, wheat flour, and nuts. In the present study, the usage of novel groups of insecticides (Spinosyns, Diamide, Pyridalyl, and Azadirachtin) that are safe for humans and exert a relatively lower effect on the environment was assessed. In particular, the toxicological and biochemical impacts of five insecticides (Tracer, Radiant, Coragen, Pleo, and Achook) on the control of E. Cautella were evaluated, and the genome-wide DNA mutability caused by these insecticides was screened. A bioassay was performed in order to determine the LC50value for each insecticide, the results of which revealed that Coragen with an LC50 value of 0.49 ppm was the most potent insecticide, followed by Radiant and Achook (with LC50 values of 1.51 and 1.73 ppm, respectively). In addition, the effect of these insecticides on vital enzymes was investigated. The data from this investigation revealed that the treatment with Radiant demonstrated stimulation in AST, ACP, ALP, and GST activity, and inhibition in AChE, ALT, and protease activity. The insects treated with Coragen exhibited an elevation in the activities of AChE, GST, ALP, ACP, ALT, and protease. Finally, DNA-level mutability caused by the insecticides was assessed by using RAPD-PCR analysis, and the results indicated Radiant as a genotoxic insecticide that caused large changes at the genomic-DNA level. On the other hand, Coragen exhibited the lowest mutability effect on insect DNA.