Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the chemical composition and insecticidal activity of the essential oil of the aerial parts of Paederia scandens against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais. Methods: Steam distillation of the aerial parts of P. scandens was carried out using Clavenger apparatus in order to obtain the volatile oils. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analyses (HP-5MS column) of the essential oil were performed and its composition determined. Insecticidal activity of the essential oil was measured following topical application and seal-spaced fumigation. Results: The main components of the essential oil were β-pinene (24.77 %), α-pinene (8.22 %), 1, 8cineol (8.01 %), δ-terpinene (5.32 %), (E)-β-ocimene (5.21 %), linalool (4.92 %) and 4-terpineol (3.63 %). The essential oil exhibited strong fumigant toxicity against adult S. zeamais with LC50 (lethal concentration at 50 %) value of 7.14 mg/L air. P. scandens essential oil also possessed contact toxicity against S. zeamais with LD50 (lethal dosage at 50 %) value of 47.78 g/adult insect. Conclusion: The study indicates that the essential oil of P. scandens has a potential for development into a natural fumigant for control of insects in stored grains.
Highlights
Control of insects in stored grains is based on the application of synthetic insecticides/ fumigants
The GC–MS analysis of the essential oil of the aerial parts of P. scandens led to the identification and quantification of 45 major components accounting for 90.05 % of the total components present (Table 1). β-Pinene (24.77 %), α-pinene (8.22 %), 1,8-cineol
The essential oil of P. scandens collected from Shanxi Province contains isoamyl acetate (20.2 %), benzyl acetate (8.0 %), palmitic acid (6.8 %) and isoamyl caprate (5.7 %) [11]
Summary
Control of insects in stored grains is based on the application of synthetic insecticides/ fumigants. Repeated use of those fumigants for decades has led to resurgence of stored-product insect pests, sometimes resulting in the development of resistance, and had undesirable effects on non-target organisms. These problems have highlighted the need to search for new types of selective insect-control alternatives with fumigant action. In China, it is mainly distributed in Central China (Yangtze River basin and its southern region) [2]. It has spread quickly and recently was found in the Beijing area [3]. It is prescribed as a folk medicine for toothache, chest pain, piles, inflammation of the spleen, rheumatic arthritis and bacillary dysentery, and as as a diuretic and emetic [4]
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