Evaluation of Lippia citriodora essential oil nanoformulation against the lepidopteran pest Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Gelechiidae)

Abstract

A new delivery system was applied to control P. operculella based on interpolation of Lippia citriodora essential oil into PVA-nanofiber using electrospinning technique. Based on GC-MS results, geranial and (-)-spathulenol were the prevailing compounds of the essential oil. Fumigant bioassay revealed that nano-formulated essential oil was more toxic than L. citriodora pure one. The results of the durability test showed that PVA-EO nanofibers were highly durable compared to the pure essential oils: their durability was approximately 3.5 times greater. This study indicated that these novel systems could be used in IPM program for the control of stored product pests.

Keywords:

• Phthorimaea operculella
• pest management
• nano-formulation
• bioassay
• essential oil

Disclosure statement

The authors have no potential conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili (Ardabil, Iran), which is appreciated.