Active Components of 16 Essential Oils and Their Fumigation Effects on Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the active constituents and fumigation effectiveness of 16 distinct plant essential oils (EOs) on greater wax moth (GWM) eggs and fifth instar larvae. The results show that wintergreen, star anise, and clove oils exerted significant insecticidal effects on both GWM eggs and fifth instar larvae. Methyl salicylate and trans-anethole, which constitute 93.26% and 87.75% of wintergreen and star anise oils, respectively, function as the sole active ingredient of their respective oils. Eugenol, which constitutes 77.75% of clove oil, is primarily responsible for its insecticidal activity, although it is not the sole contributor. All these EO components exhibit significant insecticidal properties, with trans-anethole demonstrating the highest level of toxicity. Our research adds valuable insights to the literature by presenting the first investigation into the effectiveness of EOs for fumigating GWM eggs. Moreover, the results highlight the potential use of anise oil as a novel approach for managing GWM, thus offering a more efficient alternative to traditional methods.