Chemical composition and bioactivities of Melaleuca alternufolia essential oil and its main constituents against Spodoptera littoralis (Boisaduval, 1833)

Abstract

Abstract Background Spodoptera littoralis is mostly controlled by the use of synthetic insecticides. Nonetheless, the use of these insecticides causes a slew of issues. On this pest, the antifeedant activity of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil (EO) and its two principal components was investigated. Results The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed that the M. alternifolia EO was composed of eleven compounds. Terpinen-4-ol (40.1%) and γ-terpinene (21.9%) were chosen as the major constituents. In terms of antifeedant efficacy, treatment with M. alternifolia EO and these components reduced leaf consumption and the efficiency of food conversion in larvae in a concentration-dependent manner. When compared to untreated larvae, weight, growth, and pupation percentage were all significantly lower. Conclusions The findings show that M. alternifolia EO and its components, terpinen-4-ol and γ-terpinene can be effectively combined for cotton leafworm management.