Insecticidal activity of essential oils from six Moroccan plants against insect pests Rhyzopertha dominica, Sitophilus oryzae and Tribolium castaneum

Abstract

Six essential oils from Morrocan plants belonging to different botanical families (Lamiaceae, Pinaceae and Verbenaceae), were prepared by hydrodistillation. These essential oils from Morrocan plants, which have a long tradition in adjuvant therapy, were tested for insecticidal activity by the method of microcomputer-atmosphere against three major pests of stored products: Rhyzopertha dominica (F), Sitophilus oryzae (L) and Tribolium castaneum (herbst). The results obtained showed that the essential oils possessed highly significant insecticidal properties against the pests studied. R (+) pulegone, a monoterpene ketone and a major component of the essential oil of Mentha pulegium exhibited the highest insecticidal activity.