Physiological and molecular responses of house fly (Musca domestica L.) to clove flower bud extracts

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Abstract
The house fly, Musca domestica, is a major mechanical vector of several pathogens, posing significant public health risks. Due to the hazards associated with indoor use of synthetic insecticides, biopesticides offer an eco-friendly alternative. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) flower bud extract contains bioactive insecticidal compounds; however, a comprehensive study of its sublethal effects on M. domestica, along with the associated molecular responses, was lacking. Ethanol-based clove extracts were characterized using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This study assessed the lethal and transgenerational effects of clove extract on two generations using age-stage, two-sex life table analysis. Gene expression analysis was conducted on three key stress-responsive genes (CYP12A2, CYP6D2, CYP6A24) and one fecundity-related gene, vitellogenin-I (Vg-I). GC-MS analysis identified eugenol (68.80%), caryophyllene (13.24%), and acetyl eugenol (13.56%) as the major constituents. The lethal concentrations were determined as LC5 = 0.405%, LC5 = 1.574%, and LC50 = 4.046%. The LC50 treatment significantly reduced longevity, fecundity, and survival. Mean generation time (T) was significantly shorter in the LC50 group (16.43 days) than in the control (19.89 days). Similarly, key population parameters—intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and net reproductive rate (R0)—were reduced. Gene expression studies revealed elevated stress responses and reproductive suppression. The detoxification genes (CYP12A2, CYP6D2, CYP6A24) were upregulated, while the fecundity-related gene Vg-I was downregulated. Molecular docking suggested strong binding affinity of caryophyllene to survival-related proteins. These findings suggest that clove extract significantly affects M. domestica, highlighting the potential of caryophyllene as an insecticidal compound.
Funding Information
  • King Faisal University

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