Journal of Applied Entomology (2007) 131, 269-274

H. Kouninki, T. Hance, F.A. Noudjou, G. Lognay, F. Malaisse, M.B. Ngassoum, P.M. Mapongmetsem, L.S.T. Ngamo and E. Haubruge (2007)
Toxicity of some terpenoids of essential oils of Xylopia aethiopica from Cameroon against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky
Journal of Applied Entomology 131 (4), 269-274
Abstract: The acute toxicity of essential oils from the whole fruit (EF) or from the fibres of the fruit (FF) of the local aromatic plants Xylopia aethiopica Dunal (Annonaceae) collected in north Cameroon was evaluated on Sitophilus zeamais adults. A concentration of 1 ml of essential oil per 100 g of maize seeds was tested to determine weevil mortality after 24 h of exposure. Under these conditions, the essential oil derived from both EF and FF of X. aethiopica led to 100% mortality. In a second step, proportions of active compounds present in the oil of both EF and FF of X. aethiopica were quantified. The toxicity of the four main compounds was tested against S. zeamais: alpha-pinene, ß-pinene, DELTA-3-carene and terpinen-4-ol according to their proportion in the essential oil of the concerned plant part. ß-pinene and terpinen-4-ol were responsible for 50% of the mortality at the proportion found in EF and FF essential oils respectively. When mixed, a synergic effect of the compounds was observed that restored the mortality percentage observed for the crude oil. It appears that X. aethiopica essential oil could be a potential source of natural and low-cost insecticide to control storage pests.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Habiba Kouninki, Thierry Hance

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Sitophilus zeamais