The effect of Tanacetum vulgare essential oil and its main components on some ecological and physiological parameters of Acrobasis advenella (Zinck.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Abstract Acrobasis advenella (Zinck.) is the most dangerous pest of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa [Michx.] Elliot). The aim of this study was to investigate the insecticidal activity of an essential oil from Tanacetum vulgare (L.) and its main components such as thujone, camphor, and borneol against A.advenella larvae. In addition, the effects of the oil and its main ingredients on the activity of catalase (CAT), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POX), and α- and β-glucosidases, which are important antioxidants, detoxification enzymes, and digestive enzymes, were examined. Our study showed an increased mortality of larvae and a decrease in the percentage of pupation and emergence of A. advenella moths as well as their longevity. Moreover, we found a significant increase in catalase and polyphenol oxidase activity in larvae feeding on inflorescences treated with T. vulgare EO. The results showed a significant increase in peroxidase assay activity in insects feeding on plants treated with borneol and thujone. However, a significant decrease in peroxidase activity was noted after the use of T. vulgare essential oil. It was shown that the activity of α- and β-glucosidase significantly decreased in larvae fed on inflorescences treated with the essential oil and all substances but the greatest decrease in the activity of α- and β-glucosidase was shown in larvae after thujone treatment. The results suggest that T. vulgare essential oil and its compounds can be useful in protecting organic crops of black chokeberry.