Molecular docking and insecticidal activity of Pyrus communis L. extracts against disease vector, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: muscidae)

ABSTRACT The common housefly (Musca domestica) is widely recognized as a significant pest and can transmit many pathogens. The habitual use of chemical insecticides against housefly has led to detrimental effects on humans, non-target species, and environment. Therefore, there is an urgent demand for new, sustainable alternatives of housefly control. This research investigates the effects of different extracts from common pear (Pyrus communis) leaves on M. domestica larvae, and lifecycle progression. Musca domestica was identified through DNA barcoding, and a sequernce for the COX1 gene was submitted to NCBI gene bank, with accession number of OQ363313. Results showed that extracts from P. communis leaves were lethal to the larvae at 650 and 150 ppm, respectively, with the n-hexane extract proving to be more efficacious. Also, tested extracts prolonged developmental stages of both larvae and pupae. Females emerged from treated larvae laid fewer eggs. A molecular docking was performed to examine the interactions between extract’s molecules and a crucial protein in M. domestica, Ls-AChBP (PDB ID: 2zju). Five compounds were identified as particularly effective: Tetratetracontane, Octacosyl acetate, Hexatriacontane, Eicosyl heptafluorobutyrate, and Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. The results indicate that these pear leaf extracts hold promise as alternative agents for managing M. domestica populations.