Growth inhibitory, immunosuppressive, cytotoxic, and genotoxic effects of γ-terpinene on Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

γ-Terpinene, a monoterpene widely present in essential oils of many medicinal and aromatic plants with numerous biological properties, was evaluated for its insecticidal activity against melon fruit fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett). Different concentrations (5, 25, 125, 625, and 3125 ppm) of γ-terpinene along with control were fed to larvae of melon fly. The number of pupae formed and adults emerged declined significantly after treatment. Morphologically deformed adults and pupae were also observed. The developmental duration too prolonged in treated larvae. Food assimilated, mean relative growth rate, larval weight gain, and pupal weight also declined. In the larvae treated with LC(30) and LC(50) concentrations, there was a decline in the titers of phenoloxidase and total hemocyte count, and variations were observed in the differential hemocyte count, suggesting an immunosuppressive effect of γ-terpinene on melon fly. Both concentrations also led to an increase in the apoptotic and necrotic cells as well as decrease in the viable hemocytes in the circulating hemolymph of treated larvae. Comet parameters (tail length, % tail DNA, tail moment, and olive tail moment) of γ-terpinene fed larvae increased significantly. Given the observed effects of γ-terpinene on normal developmental and nutritional physiology, its immunosuppressive properties, and its potential for genome damage, it can be considered for incorporation into integrated pest management strategies for controlling Z. cucurbitae.