Insecticidal activity and composition of essential oils from Pistacia atlantica subsp. kurdica against the model and stored product pest beetle Tribolium castaneum

This study is the first report to compare the compositions of the gum, fruit and leaves essential oils of Pistacia atlantica subsp. kurdica and the fumigant toxicity against the model and important stored product pest insect, the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Col.: Tenebrionidae). The essential oils of the three parts showed qualitative differences in their chemical compositions, but the major common compounds were alpha-pinene, spathulenol, beta-myrcene and D-limonene. The fumigant tests against Tribolium beetles confirmed insecticide activity and the gum essential oil was the most toxic; the concentration to kill 50 % of treated insects (LC50) was 29 mu l/l air. Our data confirm the usefulness of natural plant products as essential oils from Pistacia trees to be used as a botanic fumigant insecticide against important pest insects.

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