CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND INSECTICIDAL ACTIVITY OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL OF ANETHUM GRAVEOLENS L.

Abstract

The essential oil of seeds of Anethum graveolens L. growing in Pakistan was obtained by hydrodistillation. It was analysed by GC-MS. Components were identified and R-(-)-carvone(38.899%), apiol (30.812%), limonene(15.938%) and trans-(+)-dihydrocarvone (10.999%) were the main components. The essential oil was found to be toxic to Periplanata americana L., Musca domestica L. and Tribolium castaneum. The mean mortality ranged from 25 to 100% for the different insects. In conclusion, the essential oil of A.graveolens may have the potential to be developed as a natural insecticide against various insects.