Effects of Persea americana Mill. seed extracts on the postembryonic development of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscoide)

• Published in: Journal of pharmacy & pharmacognosy research Vol. 6; no. 2; pp. 96 - 107
• Main Authors: Silvia del C. Molina Bertrán, Paloma Martins Mendonça, Bernardo Reyes Tur, Margareth M.C. Queiroz, Julio C. Escalona Arranz, Jesús García Díaz, Frenkel Guisado Bourzac
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: GarVal Editorial Ltda 01-04-2018
• Subjects: biological control; Diptera; Musca domestica; Persea americana Mill
• ISSN: 0719-4250

Context: The synthetic insecticides used to control Diptera are harmful to the environment and humans. Extracts and compounds from plants are a more sustainable source for the development of bio-insecticides. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of a hydroalcoholic extract of Persea americana Mill seeds as an alternative control of the species Musca domestica. Methods: The extracts were obtained by two methods, the Shaker (S) and the Soxhlet extraction (SE) method, using 94% ethanol as the solvent. Also, the qualitative chemical composition was determined by phytochemical screening. The effect of the two extracts on the post-embryonic development of the fly as well as the adulticidal effect was evaluated. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of metabolites such as alkaloids, coumarins, tannins, flavonoids, sugars and amino acids. The influence on the post-embryonic development of M. domestica was demonstrated, especially on the viability of larvae and neolarvae to adults; however, the effect on the weight and duration of each period was low. The adulticidal effects of the extracts were determined by the lethal concentration 50(LC50) of 2.910 mg/100 mL and 3.944 mg/100 mL for the S and SE extracts, respectively. Conclusions: Both extracts showed their insecticidal effects against Musca domestica, but the extract elaborated by S method showed greater influence diminishing viability and better adulticidal effect.