Behavioral, Electrophysiological, and Toxicological Responses of Plutella xylostella to Extracts from Angelica pubescens

Simple SummaryPlutella xylostellais one of the most destructive insect pests affecting cruciferous vegetables. The use of various plant extracts for controlling this pest is increasing in popularity, as they are multi-bioactive, biodegradable, and ecologically safe. In this study, we evaluated the insecticidal oviposition deterrence and repellent activities ofAngelica pubescensextract and its compounds againstP. xylostella. TheA. pubescensextract, caryophyllene oxide, and 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid, have been proven to have insecticidal and oviposition deterrent activities againstP. xylostella. TheA. pubescensextract and caryophyllene oxide also mediateP. xylostellarepellence. Overall, our results highlighted the potential ofA. pubescensextract, caryophyllene oxide, and 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid in controllingP. xylostellaand in the development of effective eco−friendly “inhibit and kill” insecticide formulations.AbstractPlutella xylostellaL. is a destructive pest affecting cruciferous vegetables, causing massive economic losses worldwide. Plant−based insecticides are considered promising insect control agents. TheAngelica pubescensextract inhibited female oviposition, with an oviposition deterrence index (ODI) of 61.65% at 12.5 mg/mL. We aimed to identify the bioactive compounds inA. pubescensextract. The compounds fromA. pubescensextract were analyzed using LC−MS techniques. The toxicity and behavioral responses of larvae and adults ofP. xylostellato ten compounds were investigated. We found that the caryophyllene oxide and 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid inhibited female oviposition; the ODIs were 98.31% and 97.59% at 1.25 mg/mL, respectively. TheA. pubescensextract, caryophyllene oxide, and 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid caused larval mortality, with LC50values of 21.31, 4.56, and 5.52 mg/mL, respectively. The EAG response of females was higher than that of males underA. pubescensextract conditions, while the EAG response of males was higher than that of females in caryophyllene oxide and 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid conditions. TheA. pubescensextract and caryophyllene oxide showed repellent activity against both female and male adults, while the 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid did not elicit any notable behavioral responses fromP. xylostellaadults.A. pubescensextract and caryophyllene oxide are potential insecticides, oviposition deterrents, and behavioral regulators againstP. xylostella, and they could be potential candidates for the development of biological insecticides to controlP. xylostella.Keywords:Plutella xylostella;Angelica pubescens;extract/compounds;toxicity;repellent effect