Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
MUNIS ENTOMOLOGY & ZOOLOGY, cilt.21, sa.2, ss.1-16, 2026 (Hakemli Dergi)
Pyrethrum extract, a plant-derived insecticide obtained from Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, is widely recognized for its neurotoxic activity against insects. However, its potential effects on insect immune function remain poorly understood. The present study investigated the impact of pyrethrum on hemocyte-mediated immune responses using Galleria mellonella L. as a model organism. Pyrethrum dissolved in acetone was topically applied to last instar larvae, and LC₁₀, LC₂₅, and LC₅₀ concentrations were determined. Following exposure, total hemocyte count, encapsulation, and melanization responses were assessed using phase-contrast microscopy. Total hemocyte count increased significantly at LC₂₅ and LC₅₀ doses compared to controls, whereas LC₁₀ did not induce a significant change. At LC₂₅, a shift from strong to weak encapsulation responses was observed after 24 h. Melanization responses were enhanced at LC₁₀ and LC₂₅, as indicated by reduced numbers of non-melanized beads. These results demonstrate that pyrethrum induces dose-dependent alterations in cellular immune responses, suggesting that beyond neurotoxicity, pyrethrum may modulate immune balance in exposed insects.