Efficacies of certain plant materials on Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in laboratory

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of three plant materials on, Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae) larvae under laboratory conditions (282ºC and 605%). The assayed materials were mint oil (Mentha spicata), jojoba oil (Top healthy) (Simmondsia chinensis) and moringa leaf extract (Moringa olifira),). Also, the efficacy of experimented materials on midgut histological features of 4th instar larvae of G. mellonella was demonstrated. On the 2nd instar, Mint caused the highest mortality percentage (93.33), while moringa leaf extract was the least effective (83%). The biochemical contents (total proteins, total carbohydrates, alpha esterases, acetyl cholinesterase and amylase) were measured after 4th instar larval treatment. All treatments caused decreases in the total protein and carbohydrates ratios compared with control. There was increase in acetyl by mint, jojoba oil and moringa leaf extract. Alpha esterase enzymes decreased by mint and jojoba oil treatments but , increased by moringa leaf extract.The effects of various plant materials on the histological aspects of G. mellonella 4th instar larval mid-gut were assayed. In contrast to the control, many alterations and impacts were described. Malformations included significant vacuolar degeneration and hyperplasia of the midgut's epithelial lining, in addition to separation and thickness of the basement membrane. Additionally, atrophied peritrophic membranes were seen.