Impact of essential oil from plants on migratory activity of Sitophilus granarius and Tenebrio molitor

Abstract

Measures against pests should be performed in the context of integrated management of agricultural crops and complex control of pests. Therefore, use of ecologically safe approaches is the best option. Essential oils of plants can make an impact on the main metabolic, biochemical, physiological and behavioural functions of insects. We evaluated the effect of 18 essential oils and 18 dried plants on migratory activity of Sitophilus granarius (Linnaeus, 1758) and Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus, 1758 in conditions of laboratory experiment. Notable repellent activity against S. granarius was exhibited by Citrus sinensis and Picea abies. Repellent action against T. molitor was displayed by dried and cut leaves of Origanum vulgare and Eucalyptus globulus, and also essential oils from Juniperus communis, Р. abies, Pterocarpus santalinus, C. sinensis and C. aurantiifolia. Therefore, out of 18 studied essential oils, only two samples had a notable biological effect on migratory activity of S. granarius and five samples – on T. molitor. These data indicate a possibility of using essential oils or their main components as ecologically safe natural repellents against pests of stored wheat and products of its processing.

Keywords

• pest control; biopesticides; plant protection; repellent; attractant.