Protein Expression Dynamics in Xylotrechus quadripes Larvae Reared on Artificial Diets Treated with Simarouba amara Bark Extract: A Model for Controlling Infestation on Coffea arabica

Abstract

The Coffee White Stem Borer (Xylotrechus quadripes), a destructive pest of Coffea arabica, causes extensive damage to coffee plantations and threatens sustainable production. Conventional chemical pesticides offer limited long-term control and pose environmental risks, prompting the search for eco-friendly alternatives. This study investigates the insecticidal efficacy of Simarouba amara bark extract (SABE) when incorporated into artificial diets fed to X. quadripes larvae. The effects of SABE on larval growth, survival, and proteomic response were evaluated. Larvae reared on SABE-treated and control diets were subjected to protein extraction and analysis using Orbitrap High-Resolution Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (OHRLC-MS/MS). Subsequent bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and their associated biological functions and metabolic pathways. SABE treatment significantly reduced larval survival compared to the untreated control. Proteomic analysis revealed the expression of 15 unique proteins in SABE-fed larvae versus 22 in the control group. Functional enrichment analysis of DEPs indicated the activation of detoxification-related proteins, including cytochrome P450s and glutathione-S-transferases, along with proteins involved in stress response and metabolic regulation. These changes suggest that SABE induces physiological stress and disrupts key metabolic processes, ultimately leading to larval mortality. The findings highlight the potential of S. amara bark extract as a botanical insecticide targeting X. quadripes. By interfering with essential molecular pathways, SABE offers a promising, biodegradable alternative to conventional chemical pesticides. This study provides a molecular foundation for the development of sustainable pest management strategies in coffee cultivation, contributing to the reduction of pesticide use and environmental impact.