Possibility Using Camphene as Biorational Insecticide against the Red Palm Weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Colioptera: Curculionedae)

The Red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (RPW) (Coleoptera Curculionidae) is the most important pest for the palm trees in all of the Arab Gulf area. The possible use of the terpene (Camphene) as toxic product alternative to chemical insecticide through the IPM program for controlling RPW and decreasing generating resistance phenomenon has been carried out, where there is a need for different compounds having different modes of action. Camphene is bicyclic monoterpene. It volatilizes readily at room temperature and has a pungent smell, is used in the preparation of fragrances and as a food additive for flavoring. Camphene is attractive for both male and female adults of the red palm weevil. Effect of camphene as fumigant or contact poison against different stages of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (egg, 4th instar larvae and adults) was determined, it cleared a toxic effect for all stages of the insect, especially for eggs and larvae as contact or fumigant poisons. LC50 as contact poison was 249.2, 610.1and 777.3 l. /100 ml. , while LC50 as fumigant poison was 34, 47.9 and 99.9 l. /l. air on egg, 4th larval stage and adult respectively. Median lethal concentration (LC50 concentration) of camphene induced some biological changes on treated eggs and 4th instar larvae.