Insecticidal activity of essential oils compared with chemical insecticide against stored-grain pest Sitophilus oryzae

Abstract

Stored-grain pest Sitophilus oryzae causes loss of rice in quantitative and qualitative. Until recently, the most frequent ways used to control insect pest is synthetic chemicals that harmful to human health, causing resistance to the pest, and pollute the environment. An alternative solution is offered by natural insecticide. The aim of the research is to analyze the effect of toxicity of three essential oils compared with a chemical insecticide toward rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae). Bioassay was carried out by fumigation. The essential oil of Myristica fragrans 40 μL g−1 was the most insecticidal than essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus and Eucalyptus sp. with 100% mortality after 48 h exposure. Chlorpyriphos 2 μL g−1 as chemical insecticide generally used had 100% mortality after 24 h exposure. In spite of natural insecticide had longer time and higher concentration to kill insect pest, but it can be used for integrated management of stored-grain pest rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) that more safety for human and environment.