GABA and Octopamine Receptors as Potential Targets for Fumigant Actions of <i>Bursera graveolens</i> Essential Oil Against <i>Callosobruchus maculatus</i> and <i>Callosobruchus chinensis</i>
Cowpea, <i>Vigna</i> sp., is an important, low-cost protein source in subtropical and semi-arid regions, where seasonal rainfall makes storage necessary. However, the weevils <i>Callosobruchus maculatus</i> and <i>C. chinensis</i> cause significant grain losses du...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Journal of Xenobiotics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4713/15/3/91 |
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| Summary: | Cowpea, <i>Vigna</i> sp., is an important, low-cost protein source in subtropical and semi-arid regions, where seasonal rainfall makes storage necessary. However, the weevils <i>Callosobruchus maculatus</i> and <i>C. chinensis</i> cause significant grain losses during storage. While synthetic fumigants are commonly used to control these pests, their risks to mammals have prompted the search for safer alternatives. In this context, we tested palo santo, <i>Bursera graveolens</i>, essential oil with limonene, <i>α</i>-phellandrene, <i>o</i>-cymene and <i>β</i>-phellandrene, menthofuran, and germacrene-D as a sustainable approach. This plant is readily accessible, produces high fruit yields, and is used in households for various purposes. We evaluated the fumigant toxicity, repellency, and ovicidal effects of <i>B. graveolens</i> essential oil on both <i>Callosobruchus</i> species. Our results showed that <i>B. graveolens</i> oil was toxic to <i>C. maculatus</i> (LC<sub>50</sub> = 80.90 [76.91–85.10] µL) and <i>C. chinensis</i> (LC<sub>50</sub> = 63.9 [60.95–66.99] µL), with <i>C. chinensis</i> being more susceptible (SR = 1.27). Molecular docking analyses revealed that all the oil’s compounds bind to both the GABA and octopamine receptors, exhibiting high energy affinities; however, germacrene shows the strongest affinity in these receptors. <i>C. chinensis</i> was strongly repelled at all concentrations, while <i>C. maculatus</i> was repelled only at lethal concentrations. No ovicidal effect was observed in either species. In conclusion, our findings suggest that <i>B. graveolens</i> essential oil is a promising and sustainable protectant for stored cowpeas in small-scale storage units. |
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| ISSN: | 2039-4705 2039-4713 |