Potential of zimtaldehyde, 4-allyl-anisol, linalool, terpineol and other phytochemicals for the control of the confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum J. d. V.) (Col., Tenebrionidae)

Abstract

Toxicity and repellency effects of several pure compounds (of plant origin) against the confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum) were investigated in a filter paper test. The compounds were α-pinen, β-pinen, 4-allyl-anisol, camphor, 1,8-cineol, eugenol, linalool, menthol, piperin, terpineol, thymol and zimtaldehyde. Five compounds (4-allyl-anisol, linalood, terpineol, thymol and zimtaldehyde) caused enough mortality of this insect to allow the determination of LD50 and LD95 values. Zimtaldehyde and 4-allyl-anisol showed the strongest toxicity effects with LD50 values of 0.04–0.05 μl/cm2 within an exposure period of 24 h. When the isolated fumigant effects were tested by separating the insects from the filter paper, the toxicity of zimtaldehyde (LD50=0.29 μl/cm2) was much lower than that of 4-allyl-anisol (LD50=0.10μl/cm2).