Title : Exploration of the insecticidal properties of Juniperus communis L. essential oil on the grain weevil
Abstract:
This study evaluates the insecticidal potential of Juniperus communis L. essential oil and its main components against T.castaneum (Herbst). The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistilation and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The insecticidal activity of the essential oil was measured through in vitro fumigation. The main components of the essential oil, which exhibited significant insecticidal activity (alpha-pinene, terpinen-4-ol, and limonene), were assessed to determine their insecticidal effects. Notably, the essential oil of J communis L. showed the highest toxicity by fumigation, with a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 19.04 µl/l of air for males and 22.12 µl/l of air for females after 24 hours. This resulted in a mortality rate of 77.20% for males and 64.43% for females after 24 hours, with mortality rates of 70.00% for males and 60.00% for females. Interestingly, male T. castaneum were found to be more sensitive to the treatments than females. These results demonstrate that J communis L. essential oil has strong potential for developing new botanical insecticides, providing safe alternatives for controlling pest insects. It also highlights the importance of natural fumigants for seed preservation and sustainable pest management.
Keywords: Botanical Insecticide, Essential Oil, Toxicity Tribolium Castaneum (Herbst)
