Insecticidal activity of copper (II) complexes with flavanone derivatives

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Entomology
• Chemistry

Background:

• Flavanones are natural compounds with diverse biological activities.
• Copper complexes are explored for various applications, including pest control.
• Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a significant agricultural pest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the insecticidal activity of flavanone derivatives complexed with copper (II) against Spodoptera frugiperda.
• To evaluate the effects of these complexes on the larval and pupal development of S. frugiperda.

Main Methods:

• Flavanone derivatives (naringin, naringenin, hesperidin) were complexed with copper (II).
• The synthesized compounds were incorporated into an artificial diet for Spodoptera frugiperda larvae.
• Evaluated parameters included larval and pupal phase duration, pupal weight, and larval mortality.

Main Results:

• Several free flavanones and copper complexes (specifically complexes 4 and 6) reduced larval phase duration.
• Complex 9 exhibited the highest toxicity, resulting in 96.66% larval mortality.
• The study reports for the first time the insecticidal activity of Cu2+ complexes of naringin, naringenin, and hesperidin.

Conclusions:

• Copper (II) complexes of flavanones possess significant insecticidal properties against Spodoptera frugiperda.
• Complex 9 demonstrates potent larvicidal activity, suggesting its potential as a novel insecticide.
• These findings open new avenues for developing environmentally friendlier pest management strategies using metal-flavonoid complexes.