Biochemical Effects of Synthetic Pure Phenolic Compounds Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Rutin, and Quercetin on Locusta migratoria migratorioides (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

The African locust Locusta migratoria migratorioides is a highly destructive agricultural pest. To develop environmentally safe and low-toxic pesticides, this study investigated the effects of glycyrrhetinic acid, rutin, and quercetin on physiological balance of L. migratoria. The study examined their impact on antioxidant/detoxifying enzymes, nutrition, and reproduction. The research evaluated growth, development, and biochemical aspects from the second instar to adulthood. Levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the catalytic activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione transferase (GST), and catalase (CAT) were measured. The findings showed significant body weight reduction in adult L. migratoria across all compound concentrations. Increased rutin concentration led to decreased feeding indicators. GSH levels and antioxidant enzyme activities, particularly GST and CAT, increased significantly during the adult stage. Reproductive indices were notably affected, with rutin and quercetin causing decreased fecundity, fertility, and sterility rate (CS %). Despite the observed effects on L. migratoria's physiology and reproductive capacity, the study highlighted the species' robust protective defence system and high adaptability. The examined compounds interfered with insect development and reproduction, suggesting their potential for pest management.