Half lethal doses (LCsol of crude ethanohc extracts of Vinca rosea and Melia
azedaracfl leaves (80 and SOppm. respectively) induced significant biochemical
alterations in the second instar Larvae ( L2) of the fruit fly Ceratitis cap < /em>itata under
Laboratory conditions. Activities of all enzymes tested (trehalase. amylase. invertase,
lactic and isocitric dehydrogenases, alanine and aspartate transaminases) were
significantly increased as a result of inclusion of both extracts in the Larval diet, while
total protein, lipids, glucose, and glycogen contents were significantly decreased at
the same doses. In the meantime, the free amino acid (FAA) content in the treated
Larvae showed mild significant increase at these doses compared to the untreated
control Larvae. Therefore, the macromolecular abnormalities observed in the second
instar Larvae of C. ceputete can reflect the possible use of the two extracts as natural
insecticides with special promising safe control of thrs insect.