Immunological and oxidative responses of the lesser mulberry pyralid, Glyphodes pyloalis by an aqueous extract of Artemisia annua L.

In this search for affordable and locally available biological substances both to farmers and environment, an aqueous extract of Artemisia annua L. was investigated for the first time against the lesser mulberry pyralid, Glyphodes pyloalis Walker a serious pest in mulberry orchards. The LC10, LC30 and LC50 values were estimated 12.82 %, 20.6 % and 27.35 % (W/V) respectively. The extract adversely affected oviposition, impaired immunity through reduced granulocytes and phenoloxidase activity. The increased activity of detoxifying enzymes including esterases and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were also observed. The enhanced antioxidant system including peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also observed. The results of the present study may provide a very safe way to control this pest in mulberry orchard and deserve further studies.