The insecticidal activity of Satureja hortensis essential oil and its active ingredient -carvacrol against Acrobasis advenella (Zinck.) (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae)

Abstract Nowadays, Acrobasis advenella is considered a pest of the highest economic significance in black chokeberry plantations, negatively affecting the quantity and quality of fruits. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Satureja hortensis essential oil and its main constituent, carvacrol, on the life cycle and physiology of A. advenella . The metabolic activity of both preparations was evaluated against insect α- and β- glucosidase, catalase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. The results showed S. hortensis essential oil and carvacrol, are characterized by insecticidal activity against A. advenella larvae. It found an increase in catalase activity in A. advenella homogenates under the influence of carvacrol and an induction of polyphenol oxidase by S. hortensis EO with no changes in POX activity. Also, it was shown that the activity of α- and β-glucosidase significantly increased in larvae fed on inflorescences treated with the essential oil and carvacrol. These preparations particularly strongly affected β-glucosidase activity in the insect homogenates. S. hortensis essential oil reduced emergence the longevity of moths. The obtained results suggest that S. hortensis essential oil and carvacrol can be useful in protecting organic crops of black chokeberry but essential oils may be more effective biopesticides than their active ingredients separately.