Investigation on fumigant toxicity of four plant-derived essential oils on Bruchus pisorum (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Bruchus pisorum (coleoptera, Bruchidae) is one of the most important pests of stored products. Regarding the limitation in using chemicals in stored product, search on alternatives to control the pest is necessary. Essential oils with low toxicity to human, animals and environment are good alternatives in pest management. The effect of four essential oils of Carumcarvi, Ferula gommosa, Mentha piperital, Pelargonium roseum on mortality adulte of B. pisorum has been investigated under laboratory conditions. All the essential oils were toxic to B. pisorum. However, the essential oil of P. roseum and C.carvi induced the highest mortality of the pest. All experiments have been done at 30±2oc, RH (65%) and photoperioded 8:16, D:L and mortality were recorded until 72 hours. All Lc50 of essential oils were between 1.22 to 49.94 ppm that showed high toxicity for pests.C.carvi essential oil was the most toxic with Lc50 equal to 1.72 ppm and F. gommosa was lowest toxic in four essential oils tested with Lc50 equal to 49.94 ppm.