Evaluation of Biochemical Components fromPterophylla beltrani(Bolivar & Bolivar) (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae): A Forest Pest from Northeastern Mexico

Abstract

Insects are a biotic resource used for human medicine, nutrition, and industry. Many are a potential source of compounds such as proteins, peptides, secondary metabolites, and polymers like silk, chitin, and chitosan for industry and biotechnology. The Mexican katydid, Pterophylla beltrani Bolivar & Bolivar, is an important insect pest that defoliates oaks (Quercus spp.) and other trees where it feeds and becomes abundant during summer in forests in Northeast Mexico. Several strategies based on extracts of compounds and sustainable metabolites for use as raw material have been proposed for its control and use. Antioxidant, chitin, and chitosan content of P. beltrani were analyzed. Extracted aqueous residue was evaluated for effect on fungal growth, and chitosan was evaluated to supplement the growth of entomopathogenic fungi. Aqueous extract from P. beltrani flour contained phenolic compounds (1.08 ± 0.049 GAE mg g-1) that had little anti-fungal effect against three species of fungi, but did inhibit the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin. Yield of chitin was 11.8% and produced 58.8% chitosan, indicating the insect is a potential source of biochemical compounds. This could help support sustainable management of this pest.