Insecticidal Activity of the Essential Oils from Different Plants Against Three Stored-Product Insects

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the insecticidal activity of essential oils from oregano, Origanum onites L. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae), savory, Satureja thymbra L. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae), and myrtle, Myrtus communis L. (Rosales: Myrtaceae) against three stored-product insects. Essential oils from three species of plants were obtained by Clevenger-type water distillation. The major compounds in these essential oils were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and their insecticidal activity was tested against adults of the Mediterranean flour moth Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), the Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella Hübner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and the bean weevil Acanthoscelides obtectus Say (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). While the major compound found in oregano and savory was carvacrol, the main constituent of the myrtle was linalool. Among the tested insects, A. obtectus was the most tolerant species against the essential oils. However, the insecticidal activity of the myrtle oil was more pronounced than other oils tested against A. obtectus adults. The essential oils of oregano and savory were highly effective against P. interpunctella and E. kuehniella, with 100% mortality obtained after 24 h at 9 and 25 µl/l air for P. interpunctella and E. kuehniella, respectively. LC50 and LC99 values of each essential oil were estimated for each insect species.

Effect of Artemisia Annua L. (Asterales: Asteraceae) Essential Oil on Mortality, Development, Reproduction and Energy Reserves of Plodia Interpunctella (H u bner).(Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

“…The results of this investigation clearly indicate that by increasing concentrations, the rate of mortality increases; it is similar to results reported on P. interpunctella adults by various essential oils [18]. The results of [22] also showed significant mortality of Tribolium castaneum, when A. annua extract at 0.5 % concentration was used.…”

“…They may also affect some life parameters like development, longevity, reproduction and as well as sex finding behaviors [2] and finally growth regulatory effect [17]. The insecticidal effect of plant origin insecticides is determined by insect species, the chemical compounds of the plants and duration of exposure of the insect pest [18]. P. interpunctella has been the subject of some studies on the effect of essential oils [19][20][21][22] but its mode of action has not been elucidated.…”

Evaluation of Plant Powders and Cooking Oils against Maize Weevil, <i>Sitophilus zeamais</i> M. (Coleopteran: Curculionidae) under Laboratory Conditions

“…The act of weakening of adults by botanical powders may make them lay fewer eggs than the normal leading to less hatchability to larvae and final metamorphosis to adults. Different botanicals effectiveness at higher dosage to various storage insect pests have been reported by several authors (Huang et al, 2000;Tripathi et al, 2000;Adedire and Lajide, 2003;Akinkurolele et al, 2006;Mbailao et al, 2006;Wang et al, 2006;Negahban et al, 2007;Oni and Ileke, 2008;Shahaf et al, 2008;Ayvaz et al, 2010;Bachrouch et al, 2010;Sivakumar et al, 2010;Adedire et al, 2011;Ileke and Oni, 2011;Mahmoudvand et al, 2011).…”

Efficiency of Mentha piperita L. and Mentha pulegium L. essential oils on nutritional indices of Plodia interpunctella Hübner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

“…Their components and quality vary with geographical distribution, time of harvest, growing conditions and method of extraction (Yang & Zheng, 2005). Effects of essential oils on stored-product insect pests have been reported on extensively (Ogendo et al, 2008;Park et al, 2008;Benzi et al, 2009;Ayvaz et al, 2010;Nayamador et al, 2010;Taghizadeh et al, 2010).…”