Phytochemistry, toxicity and feeding inhibitory activity of Melissa officinalis L. essential oil against a cosmopolitan insect pest; Tribolium castaneum Herbst

Abstract

Tribolium castaneum considered as an economically worldwide insect pest for agricultural and medicinal aspects. Synthetic chemicals have been used in the management of T. castaneum but their residual problems have been renovated the interest in ecofriendly safe materials such as plant essential oils. In the present study, toxicity and antifeedant effects of an essential oil from Melissa officinalis as well-known medicinal plant investigated against T. castaneum. Chemical analysis indicated γ-terpinene, carvacrol and α-terpinene were the main components of essential oil. The essential oil showed strong toxicity on T. castaneum adults at several concentrations and treatment times. The LC₅₀ values were assessed as 19.418, 18.418 and 16.159 μl/l air after 24, 48 and 72 h exposure time, respectively. Sub-lethal concentrations of essential oil caused significant dose-dependent antifeedant activity. Results indicate M. officinalis essential oil can be suggested as a potential alternative to harmful synthetic chemicals.

Keywords:

• Antifeedant
• chemical composition
• fumigation
• lemon balm
• red flour beetle

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.