Evaluation of fumigant toxicity of Laurus nobilis L. and Myrtus communis L. essential oils on eggs and adult stage of the Cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus F. (Col.: Bruchidae)

Nowadays، the application of plant essential oils has been highly considered as an alternative for synthetic insecticides especially in stored-product pests. One of the potential resources for development of new pesticides is plant materials، acting as repellents، antifeedants، oviposition deterrents and toxic compounds. In this study، fumigant toxicity of essential oils extracted from Laurus nobilis L. and Myrtus communis L. was assessed on adults and eggs stage of Callosobruchus maculatus. This research was conducted in a completely randomized design at 30 ± 2°C and relative humidity of 60 ± 5 % in darkness. Each essential oil was tested in 3 replications and 5 concentrations. The LC50 values for L. nobilis and M. communis for adults of the beetle were calculated to be 71. 782 and 44. 138 micro liter per liter of air and the LC95 values were calculated to be 216. 278 and 141. 716 micro liter per liter of air، respectively. The LC50 values for L. nobilis and M. communis for eggs of the beetle were calculated to be 63. 994 and 38. 371 microliter per liter of air، respectively. It seems that essential oils can be used as a low-risk insecticide.