Identification of the biological active compounds of two natural extracts for the control of the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Oliver) (Coleoptera - curculionidae)

Abstract

Two natural insecticides, rotenone and limonine caused antifeedant and growth inhibition of the red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus larvae and adults. Rotenone was extracted from the root of Lanchocarpus sp. or Derris sp. and limonene extracted from citrus fruit oil. The concentrations of 1.5, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15% of both insecticides were used for treatment of the sugar cane pieces. Adult stage was more tolerant than the larvae. Also, the rotenone insecticide was more effective than limonene insecticide. Moreover increasing of rotenone and limonene concentrations were reduced the food consumption and increased the larval and adult mortality. The chemical analysis was suggested the structure of rotenone is flavonoid compound and its chemical formula is C23H22O6. While the chemical nature of limonene is alkaloid with the chemical formula of C10H13O4