Insecticidal Activity of Eco-Extracted Holopelagic Sargassum Against the Whitefly Bemisia tabaci Infesting Tomato Crops

Massive strandings of holopelagic Sargassum cause major ecological and economic problems, but its conversion into bioproducts offers a sustainable alternative. This study assessed the potential of holopelagic Sargassum (S. fluitans and S. natans) collected in the Caribbean as ecofriendly insecticides against the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, a major pest of tomato crops. Extracts were produced using green methods: ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and ultrasound-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis (UAEH) with enzymes cocktails. Biochemical analyses revealed high mineral and polysaccharide contents, varying with the extraction technique. Extracts were tested at 1–6% (w/v) using clip-cage (adults) and leaf-dip (eggs) methods. All extracts reduced adult survival, with UAE and UAEH-P/C extracts achieving over 50% mortality at ≥4% concentration after 48 h (LD50: 3.9–4.5%). Egg mortality was significant only with UAE and UAEH-P extracts at 6% (LD50: 1.9–2.8%). These results suggest insecticidal activity through both ingestion and cuticle/embryo disruption. Although enzymatic extraction did not markedly enhance biochemical yields, extracts showed, for the first time, promising biocidal and ovicidal properties. This research highlights holopelagic Sargassum as a renewable source of natural insecticidal compounds, supporting sustainable management of both invasive algal biomass and agricultural pests.