Chemical composition and insecticidal activity of essential oil of Artemisia frigida Willd (Compositae) against two grain storage insects

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the chemical composition and insecticidal activity of the essential oil of the aerial parts of Artemisia frigida against maize weevils (Sitophilus zeamais) and booklice (Liposcelis bostrychophila). Methods: Steam distillation of A. frigida aerial parts was carried out in a Clavenger apparatus to extract its volatile oil content. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analyses (HP-5MS column) of the essential oil were performed and its contact toxicity was determined using topical application and filter paper impregnation technique while its fumigant toxicity was evaluated using sealed-space method. Results: A total of 32 components of the essential oil were identified. The principal compounds were cis-ρ-menth-2-en-1-ol (20.8%), 1,8-cineole (12.0%), borneol (10.2%), lavandulol (9.3%), camphor (6.9%), and bicyclogermacrene (5.5%). The oil exhibited contact toxicity against adult S. zeamais and L. bostrychophila with LC50 value of 17.97 μg/adult and 254.38 μg/cm2, respectively. The essential oils also possessed fumigant toxicity against S. zeamais and L. bostrychophila with LC50 value of 69.46 mg/L and 1.25 mg/L air. Conclusion: The study indicates that the essential oil of A. frigida has a potential to be developed to a natural fumigant/insecticide for the control of grain storage insects. © Pharmacotherapy Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, 300001 Nigeria. All rights reserved.