Characterization of aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) needles in the Sénalba forest: interaction with insect pests
2024
Hezil, Sara | Degaïchia, Hoceme | Chakali, Gahdab
This study investigates the phytochemical characterization of Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) needles from the Sénalba forest in Djelfa, Algeria, focusing on their interaction with invasive forest pests. Qualitative phytochemical tests were performed on lyophilized needle powder to assess secondary metabolite composition, revealing notable differences between needles used as oviposition sites and those that were not. The analysis identified high levels of tannins (catechic and gallic) and flavonoids in needles as sociated with oviposition, indicating their potential role in attracting pest females. Terpenes and sterols were moderately present across all samples, while saponins were more abundant in reforested areas where oviposition occurred. Alkaloids, however, were consistently absent. These findings align with previous research demonstrating the richness of P. halepensis in phenolic compounds, influenced by various factors such as geographic location, environmental conditions, and extraction methods. The antioxidant and enzyme-inhibitory properties of flavonoids, along with the protective and regenerative effects of tannins, appear to contribute to their ecological significance. These compounds may act as olfactory cues, making reforested monocultures more detectable to pest females compared to mixed natural forests. This research highlights the critical role of secondary metabolites in host-plant selection by invasive pests and provides a foundation for further studies aimed at enhancing forest pest management strategies.
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