Work

Physiological and molecular responses of house fly (Musca domestica L.) to clove flower bud extracts

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The house fly, Musca domestica , is a major mechanical vector of several pathogens, posing significant public health risks. Due to the hazards associated with indoor use of synthetic insecticides, biopesticides offer an eco-friendly alternative. Clove ( Syzygium aromaticum ) flower bud extract contains bioactive insecticidal compounds; however, a comprehensive study of its sublethal effects on M. domestica , along with the associated molecular responses, was lacking. Ethanol-based clove extracts were characterized using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This study assessed the lethal and transgenerational effects of clove extract on two generations using age-stage, two-sex life table analysis. Gene expression analysis was conducted on three key stress-responsive genes ( CYP12A2 , CYP6D2 , CYP6A24 ) and one fecundity-related gene, vitellogenin - I ( Vg-I ). GC-MS analysis identified eugenol (68.80%), caryophyllene (13.24%), and acetyl eugenol (13.56%) as the major constituents. The lethal concentrations were determined as LC 5 = 0.405%, LC 5 = 1.574%, and LC 50 = 4.046%. The LC 50 treatment significantly reduced longevity, fecundity, and survival. Mean generation time ( T ) was significantly shorter in the LC 50 group (16.43 days) than in the control (19.89 days). Similarly, key population parameters—intrinsic rate of increase ( r ), finite rate of increase ( λ ), and net reproductive rate ( R 0 )—were reduced. Gene expression studies revealed elevated stress responses and reproductive suppression. The detoxification genes ( CYP12A2 , CYP6D2 , CYP6A24 ) were upregulated, while the fecundity-related gene Vg-I was downregulated. Molecular docking suggested strong binding affinity of caryophyllene to survival-related proteins. These findings suggest that clove extract significantly affects M. domestica , highlighting the potential of caryophyllene as an insecticidal compound.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-10857-7