Biocontrol effects of chemical molecules derived from against larvae of (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae).

In this study, we conducted tests on the isolation, identification, characterization, and extraction of chemical molecules from against larvae. The enzyme responses of to the crude extract were examined 24 h after treatment, and the number of dead larvae was calculated 24 and 48 h after treatment. Molecular docking studies were conducted to assess the interaction of important molecules with the acetylcholinesterase enzyme. The larvicidal activity of crude chemicals from fungi was high 24 h after treatment, with LC and LC values of 25.937 and 33.559 μg/mL, respectively. For a period of 48 h, the LC and LC values were 52.254 and 60.450 μg/mL, respectively. The levels of acetylcholinesterase, α-carboxylesterase, and β-carboxylesterase enzymes were lower in the treatment group after 24 h compared to the control group. The GC-MS test revealed that the crude extract consisted mainly of 9,10-octadecadienoic acid, which was the primary compound. Docking results indicated that 9,10-octadecadienoic acid showed a strong interaction with acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Our findings suggest that the chemical molecule 9,10-octadecadienoic acid derived from the entomopathogenic fungus is more toxic to larvae. We plan to conduct studies to test its effectiveness in semi-field conditions and to evaluate its stability in field conditions. We believe that this 9,10-octadecadienoic acid molecule could be used to control larvae in the near future without causing environmental pollution.