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VOL. 7, ISSUE 1 (2025)

Laser-enhanced baobab seed oil (Adansonia digitata): A novel eco-friendly biopesticide for effective control of Spodoptera frugiperda

Authors

M Hassan, Rania S Ammar, Demiana H Khalil, Rady Shawer, Ahmed M El Sabrout

Abstract

This study explores the chemical composition, insecticidal activity, and biochemical effects of Adansonia digitata (baobab) essential oil extracted from laser-irradiated seeds, with a focus on its efficacy against the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), a key pest in worldwide agriculture. Essential oils were extracted from laser-treated and untreated seeds with ethyl acetate and xylene solvents, and analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The research demonstrated a considerable concentration of beneficial chemicals, including tributyl acetylcitrate and 1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, in laser-treated extracts (LTE) compared to untreated samples. Four extracts were tested for their effects on second-instar S. frugiperda larvae using bioassays. Ethyl acetate-based LTE was the most dangerous, with LC₅₀ of 31.33 ppm after 20 days, whereas xylene-based LTE had LC₅₀ of 479.75 ppm. The study found substantial mortality rates and considerable developmental changes, including as larval deformities, dwarfism, unsuccessful molting, and pupal abnormalities. Histological dissection of adult moths subjected to laser-treated extracts showed defective reproductive organs, such as undifferentiated ovarioles, emphasizing their ability to restrict pest reproduction and disturb population dynamics. The results suggest that laser irradiation improves the bioactivity of baobab seed oil by increasing the content of essential phytochemicals. These findings showed that laser-treated baobab oil had the potential to be an environmentally benign biopesticide, providing a novel and long-term alternative to chemical pesticides for managing S. frugiperda and other agricultural pests.

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Pages:1-7

How to cite this article:

M Hassan, Rania S Ammar, Demiana H Khalil, Rady Shawer, Ahmed M El Sabrout "Laser-enhanced baobab seed oil (<i>Adansonia digitata</i>): A novel eco-friendly biopesticide for effective control of <i>Spodoptera frugiperda</i>". International Journal of Agriculture and Plant Science, Vol 7, Issue 1, 2025, Pages 1-7

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