Influência do extrato aquoso de Mangifera indica (L., 1753) (Anacardiaceae) sobre a preferência alimentar de Plutella xylostella (L., 1758) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

Abstract

Plutella xylostella (L., 1758) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), commonly known as the diamondback moth, is one of the most problematic pests for crops in the Brassicaceae family. This pest is notable for its high reproductive capacity and rapid development of resistance to insecticides, making its control challenging. The objective was to investigate the impact of Mangifera indica botanical extract on the food preference of P. xylostella, with the intention of promoting an ecologically sustainable and responsible strategy for managing this pest. The experiment evaluated the effect of an aqueous extract of M. indica on the food preference of P. xylostella. The extract was prepared from dried M. indica leaves (10%). Third-instar larvae were exposed for 48 hours to cabbage discs treated with the extract and with distilled water to assess the food preference of the diamondback moth. After this period, the discs were scanned, and the consumed leaf area was measured using ImageJ software. The results demonstrated that the M. indica extract was effective in reducing leaf consumption, acting as a feeding deterrent. The prepared extract showed a food preference index (FPI) of 0.364. The larvae fed less on the treated leaves, consuming about seven times more from the control discs. This decrease in leaf consumption suggests that the bioactive compounds present in M. indica leaves may affect the feeding behavior of the diamondback moth larvae. Substances like tannins and terpenes, found in plants of the Anacardiaceae family, may be responsible for the feeding deterrent effect. The use of botanical extracts such as M. indica represents a viable and ecologically sustainable alternative to chemical pest control, with the advantage of reducing negative environmental impacts such as soil and water contamination. This study will contribute to the development of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, promoting agricultural sustainability and the preservation of natural enemies of crops.