Boron compounds are effective on Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae): Reduced lipogenesis and induced body weight loss

Atay T., Ertürk S., ALKAN M., Kordali Ş., Yılmaz F., Barış A., ...More

Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, vol.115, no.3, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 115 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/arch.22098
  • Journal Name: Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Keywords: acetyl-CoA carboxylase, boron compounds, fatty acid synthase, pest control, Tribolium castaneum, triglyceride, weight loss
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In the current study, we investigated the insecticidal efficacy of two borates, disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (Etidot-67) and calcium metaborate (CMB) via surface application or diet delivery on the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst, 1797) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The application method did not change the boron-related mortality, but CMB was more effective than Etidot-67. At the highest dose, it took around 13 days to reach the highest mortality (≥98.1%) for CMB, while it was 19 days for Etidot-67 (≥95.8%). Both boron compounds led to a significant reduction in triglyceride levels in parallel to the downregulation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS), the two primary genes involved in de novo lipogenesis, while they also induced body weight loss. In conclusion, the current study indicated the insecticidal potential of boron compounds but CMB is more promising and more effective in controlling T. castaneum, while lipogenesis is inhibited and weight loss is induced by boron compounds.