Oxidative stress and cytogenetic effects in root tip cells of Allium cepa L. induced by alcoholic extracts of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)

ABSTRACT

The harmful potential of the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)), and its resistance to many insecticides in current use have drawn the attention of specialists across the world. Starting from the progress made in the last three decades in the field of insect biotechnology, the current paper evaluates the cytogenetic effects of the ethanol extracts obtained from larvae and adults of L. decemlineata (Say) using the Allium test, as well as the catalase activity in the root meristematic cells of Allium cepa L. using the titrimetric method, with a view to extrapolate the utility of this species. According to the results of our study, the cytogenetic effects exerted by the ethanol extracts from larvae and adults of L. decemlineata (Say) were dependent not only on the concentration but also on the insect development stage. The oxidative stress exerted by the ethanol and also by the extracts of L. decemlineata (Say) was suggested by a more intense catalase activity.

KEYWORDS:

• Colorado potato beetle
• extract
• cytogenetoxicity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the University of Piteşti.