FUMIGANT TOXICITY OF ESSENTIAL OILS OF LAVANDULA OFFICINALIS, ARTEMISIA DRACUNCULUS AND HERACLEUM PERSICUM ON THE ADULTS OF CALLOSOBRUCHUS MACULATUS (COLEOPTERA: BRUCHIDAE)

Abstract

Callosobruchus maculatus F. is a major insect pest of stored-grain legumes in many countries. In the present study, fumigant toxicity of essential oils from Lavandula officinalis L., Artemisia dracunculus L. and Heracleum persicum Desf. was assessed on the adults of Callosobruchus maculates. The results indicated that the mortality of adults increased with increased concentration and exposure time. LC50 values for oils from Lavandula officinalis, Artemisia dracunculus and Heracleum persicum were 41.52, 210.61 and 337.58 µlL-1, respectively. Toxicity of Lavandula officinalis oil was more than other two plants (LC50 = 41.52 µlL-1), but the essential oils from all three plants were effective against this pest. Therefore, these essential oils were suggested to be used for Callosobruchus maculates control in stores.