Work

Stage‐Specific Insecticidal Activity of Thymol Against Colorado Potato Beetle and Time‐Dependent Detoxification Gene Expression

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The contact toxicity of thymol, alpha‐terpinene, and beta‐pinene against Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was evaluated by topical application. Thymol exhibited markedly higher insecticidal activity (51.67% mortality at 5%) than the other monoterpenes. Dose‐mortality tests showed 100% third‐instar larval mortality at 7.5% thymol. Probit analyze revealed third‐instar larvae (LC 50 = 3.82%) as the most sensitive stage, followed by fourth‐instar larvae (LC 50 = 6.69%) and adults (LC 50 = 17.82%); adults were 4.66‐fold more resistant. Gene expression analyses demonstrated significant time‐dependent induction of glutathione S‐transferase ( GST ; 2.83‐fold at 24 h) and delayed induction of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase ( CYP450 ; 1.91‐fold at 24 h), while carboxylesterase ( CarE ) showed no significant change. These results support thymol as a promising biopesticide candidate targeting early larval stages, with GST showing the strongest transcriptional induction among the detoxification genes examined.

Source: Chemistry & Biodiversity

DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.71619

Authors: Buse Kazan, Ömer Cem Karakoç, Ebru Derelli Tüfekçi

Institution: Çankırı Karatekin University

Language: English

Topic: Insect Pest Control Strategies

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7204192454