The effect of essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis (Lamiaceae) on mortality and physiological parameters of Xanthogaleruca luteola Mull. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis was investigated on toxicity and physiological aspect of elm leaf beetle Xanthogaleruca luteola Mull. for 3rd instar larvae and adults in controlled condition (25 ± 2 °C; 14:10LD; 65% RH). LC50 were estimated 2.55 and 1.11 for 3rd instar larvae and adults respectively. The effect of LC50 dose on remaining insects were investigated on nutritional indices. Results indicated that the relative consumption rate (RCR), relative growth rate (RGR), efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI), efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD) in 3rd larvae were reduced compared with the controls. The essential oil reduced cholesterol, urea and uric acid compared with the controls in 3rd larvae. However, LDH and glucose showed no significant differences with the controls. In adults the glucose was increased after treatment. These results indicate that this plant has the potential for controlling this important insect pest.