Characterization of essential oils of Baeckea frutescen L and Cymbopogon nardus L for development as bioinsecticides

Abstract

The increase in the world’s human population has implications for efforts to minimize crop production losses due to insect attacks. The use of synthetic insecticides has a negative impact on environmental pollution and human health. There is a need for alternative natural insecticides made from plants that are safe, effective and selective. Baeckea frutescen L and Cymbopogon nardus L are essential oil producing plants. The essential oil components contained in these species need to be analyzed for development as bioinsecticides. In this study, the content of the essential oils of samples were analyzed. The method used was steam distillation and the components of the compounds were analyzed using GC-MS. The results of the essential oil content in C. nardus L included citronella, beta.-citronellol, and trans-geraniol. The constituent components of essential oils in B. frutescen L are alpha-pinene, 2- beta -pinene, eucalyptol, trans-caryophyllene, alpha-humulene, and linalool. Based on the literature, these two plants can be developed as raw materials for bioinsecticides.