Insecticidal activity of eco-extracted holopelagic Sargassum against the whitefly Bemisia tabaci infesting tomato crops
Jabbour C., Rhino B., Corbanini C., Bergé J.P., Hardouin K., Bourgougnon N.. 2025. Phycology, 5 (4) : 14 p..
Massive strandings of holopelagic Sargassum cause major ecological and economic problems, but its conversion into bioproducts offers a sustainable alternative. This study assessed the potential of holopelagic Sargassum (S. fluitans and S. natans) collected in the Caribbean as ecofriendly insecticides against the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, a major pest of tomato crops. Extracts were produced using green methods: ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and ultrasound-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis (UAEH) with enzymes cocktails. Biochemical analyses revealed high mineral and polysaccharide contents, varying with the extraction technique. Extracts were tested at 1–6% (w/v) using clip-cage (adults) and leaf-dip (eggs) methods. All extracts reduced adult survival, with UAE and UAEH-P/C extracts achieving over 50% mortality at =4% concentration after 48 h (LD50: 3.9–4.5%). Egg mortality was significant only with UAE and UAEH-P extracts at 6% (LD50: 1.9–2.8%). These results suggest insecticidal activity through both ingestion and cuticle/embryo disruption. Although enzymatic extraction did not markedly enhance biochemical yields, extracts showed, for the first time, promising biocidal and ovicidal properties. This research highlights holopelagic Sargassum as a renewable source of natural insecticidal compounds, supporting sustainable management of both invasive algal biomass and agricultural pests.
Mots-clés : sargassum; bemisia tabaci; algue marine; biopesticide; teneur en éléments minéraux; insecticide; diaphorina citri; composition chimique; propriété ovicide des pesticides
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Agents Cirad, auteurs de cette publication :
- Rhino Béatrice — Persyst / UPR HORTSYS
