Biotransformation as a source of potential controlling natural mixtures of Sitophilus zeamais

BEATO, M.; USSEGLIO, V.L.; PIZZOLITTO, R.P.; MERLO, C.; DAMBOLENA, J. S.; ZUNINO M.P.; ZYGADLO J.A.; OMARINI, A.B.

Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology

Elsevier

Año: 2022

1878-8181

The mycelium of Pleurotus sapidus can be used as a biocatalyst for the organic biosynthesis due tothe presence of enzymes such as lipoxygenases. The aim of this work was to improve the pesticideeffect of α- and β-pinenes, the main components of Pinus spp. essential oils, to be used against pestthrough the bioconversion process. The lyophilized mycelium of P. sapidus was used as a biotransformationtool to upgrade the bioactivities of these monoterpene hydrocarbons. The biopesticidecapacity of the mixtures of compounds obtained by bioconversion of pinene isomers wasevaluated against Sitophilus zeamais. Additionally, the differences in the biotransformation productswere determined. The mixture of α-pinene biotransformed products showed the best repellenceagainst S. zeamais (RI100μL/L = −63.33 ± 15.85% at 120 min); however, both biotransformedmixtures presented low toxic effects (LC50 > 500 μL/L), while the pure compounds presentedmedium toxicities (LC50 α-pinene = 296.65 μL/L and LC50 β-pinene = 310.47 μL/L).Thus, the biotransformation of low-cost essential oils proves an alternative process to develop environmentally-friendly repellents by recycling forest industry side-streams.