Unveiling the toxicological and biochemical evaluation of selected botanical extracts against adult Aphis gossypii (Aphididae: Hemiptera)

Abstract The present study evaluated the toxicity and biochemical effects of selected botanical extracts against the adult stage of Aphis gossypii . Two fixed oils, namely Croton tiglium seed oil and Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, in addition to ethanolic extracts of Urtica dioica and Hyoscyamus muticus , were assessed for their insecticidal activity under laboratory conditions. Toxicity was determined based on LC 50 values after 48 h of exposure. The results revealed that C. tiglium seed oil exhibited the highest toxicity against adult aphids, with an LC 50 value of 1224.03 ppm, followed by U. dioica extract (1239.0 ppm), H. muticus extract (2297.24 ppm), and S. chinensis oil (3602.58 ppm). Sub-lethal effects of the tested botanical materials at LC 50 concentrations were further investigated through biochemical analyses of total soluble proteins, total carbohydrates, and total lipids. Exposure to C. tiglium oil caused the greatest reduction in total protein and carbohydrate contents by 42.44% and 40.00%, respectively, whereas U. dioica extract reduced protein and carbohydrate levels by 36.95% and 26.66%, respectively, compared with the untreated control. In contrast, total lipid content significantly increased following treatment, reaching 47.61% and 33.33% above the control after exposure to C. tiglium oil and U. dioica extract, respectively. These findings demonstrate that the tested botanical extracts induce both toxic and metabolic disturbances in A. gossypii adults, suggesting their potential as eco-friendly alternatives for aphid management within integrated pest management programs.