Search for photoinsecticides: effect of hematoporphyrin dimethyl ether on leafmining pest Liriomyza bryoniae (Diptera: Agromyzidae)

Photoactive compounds might be used as effective pesticide agents, with almost no impact on the environment, being nontoxic and not mutagenic. The point is, that nontoxic photoactive compound accumulates within the insect body and, following exposition to visible light, induces lethal photochemical reactions and death of target pest. The aim of this study was to determine, whether hematoporphyrin dimethyl ether (HPde) might be effective as photoinsecticide. Leafmining fly Liriomyza bryoniae (Diptera, Agromyzidae) was selected as the target species. Results obtained indicate, that exposition of insects to the bait, containing HPde and following irradiation with visible light resulted in total killing of Liriomyza bryoniae adults. Moreover, survival of insects, exposed to the bait, containing HPde and irradiated with visible light depended on sex: females were more sensitive to photosensitization compare to males. Females survived less than 1 day after the treatment and males survived up to 3 days. We assume this was predetermined by difference in feeding intensity.