Control of Three Stored−Product Beetles with Artemisia haussknechtii (Boiss) (Asteraceae) Essential Oil

Fumigant toxicity of the essential oil of aerial parts from Artemisia haussknechtii (Boiss) (Asteraceae) was investigated against the cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.), the rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L.), and the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Dry ground plants were subjected to hydro−distillation using a Clevenger−type apparatus and the chemical composition of the volatile oil was studied by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC−MS). The major components of the oil were camphor (29.24%), 1, 8−cineol (27.62%), yomogi alcohol (5.23%), and camphene (4.80%). The essential oil in same concentrations was assayed against (1−7 days old) adults of insect species and percentage mortality was recorded after 24, 48, and 72 h exposure times. LC50 values were varied between 19.84 and 103.59 μL L-1 air, depending on insect species and exposure time. Callosobruchus maculatus was more susceptible than other species. These results suggested that A. haussknechtii oil might have potential as a control agent against C. maculatus, S. oryzae and T. castaneum.