Abstract
BackgroundEssential oils, especially Ocimum basilicum and Eucalyptus globulus oils were among the most important oils that contain active ingredients which have fumigant repellent activity against insects in stores. The Surinam beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, was the store insects that attack dry dates in the store. The use of these oils in the control of this insect is safer for human and animal health.ResultsEssential oils of O. basilicum and E. globulus were tested for their volatile toxicity in the laboratory against sawtoothed beetle, O. surinamensis. The concentrations of 4.0, 8.0, 16.0, and 32.0 μl/l air were used in the volatile toxicity experimental. The results indicated that O. basilicum was highly toxic than E. globulus. The results indicated that increased concentration of different oils and exposure time leads to increase in the percentage of mortalities. Also, in storage experimental, the toxic activity for the tested oils was investigated. Ocimum basilicum protects dry dates in storage for 3 months from Surinam beetle infestation.ConclusionThe storage experiment clearly confirmed that O. basilicum and E. globulus could be used in the protection of dry dates from infestation with O. surinamensis.
Highlights
Essential oils, especially Ocimum basilicum and Eucalyptus globulus oils were among the most important oils that contain active ingredients which have fumigant repellent activity against insects in stores
Five hundred adults unsexed Surinam beetles collected from these samples were released to be confined with 10 kg disinfected dry dates in wood cages (60 cm × 60 cm diameters)
Fumigant toxicity All the treatments with the tested essential oils showed a significant level of volatile toxicity to the Surinam beetle
Summary
Especially Ocimum basilicum and Eucalyptus globulus oils were among the most important oils that contain active ingredients which have fumigant repellent activity against insects in stores. The Surinam beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, was the store insects that attack dry dates in the store. The use of these oils in the control of this insect is safer for human and animal health. Dry dates were attacked by highly many stored insects during storage causing the loss of their quality and quantity (Talukder et al 2004). It is estimated that more than 20,000 insect species in the field and stores pests were destroyed approximately one-third of the world’s food production that valued annually at more than $100 billion and the highest losses (43%) occur in the developing world (Jacobson, 1982).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
