Biological Activity of Pomegranate Peel for the green management of Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae

The biological activity of pomegranate peel extracts (acetone, n -hexane, and diethyl ether) against larvae of Ephestia kuehniella was evaluated through contact, ingestion, and repellency bioassays. In topical application assays, the acetone extract exhibited the highest toxicity, with LD 50 values of 140.52 and 131.27 μg/larva after 24 and 48 h, respectively. The n -hexane extract displayed intermediate activity, whereas the diethyl ether extract was less effective. In flour disk ingestion assays, the acetone extract significantly impaired larval performance at 750 μg/disk, inducing pronounced feeding deterrence (FDI: 79.99%) and marked reductions in relative growth and consumption rates. In filter paper area preference assays, the acetone extract reached 80% repellency shortly after exposure, compared with lower responses recorded for the n -hexane and diethyl ether extracts. Overall, the acetone extract of pomegranate peel, characterized by the predominance of sitosterols, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, and n-hexadecanoic acid, represents a promising candidate for the development of plant-based strategies in stored-product protection.