Tribolium Confusum Research Articles

Oxymatrine-based insecticide: A natural product for the control of stored-product beetle pests in wheat grain

Insecticides of natural origin are a promising alternative to synthetic insecticides. Therefore, the intention of this study was to evaluate the potential of the natural product oxymatrine, as a wheat grain protectant against major stored-product beetle pests. The insecticidal activity of oxymatrine was tested against Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), Sitophilus granarius (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Sitophilus oryzae (Linnaeus, 1763) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Tribolium confusum (Jacquelin du Val, 1868) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst, 1797) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) at doses of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg a.i./kg (ppm) of wheat grain. Initial mortality was assessed after 2, 7 and 14 days of exposure, and total mortality after 7 days of recovery period. The impact on progeny production/reduction was assessed for all species, while in the case of R. dominica and Sitophilus species related weight loss and frass production were also documented. The results show that species, dose, exposure and the recovery period significantly affect the effectiveness of oxymatrine. All doses of oxymatrine provided complete mortality of R. dominica after 7 days of exposure and 7 days of recovery. The satisfactory control of Sitophilus species and T. castaneum was achieved by 1 mg/kg and T. confusum by 4 mg/kg after 14 days of exposure and 7 days of recovery. Oxymatrine complete suppressed progeny production and prevented damage by R. dominica after all exposure intervals. The lowest number of progeny of Sitophilus and Tribolium species and damage by Sitophilus species was recorded after 14 days of exposure in wheat treated with ≥1 mg/kg of oxymatrine. The obtained results indicate that oxymatrine could be an efficient natural product for the control of stored-product beetles in stored wheat.

Vibro-Acoustic Signatures of Various Insects in Stored Products.

Stored products, such as grains and processed foods, are susceptible to infestation by various insects. The early detection of insects in the supply chain is crucial, as introducing invasive pests to new environments may cause disproportionate harm. The STAR Center at Stevens Institute of Technology developed the Acoustic Stored Product Insect Detection System (A-SPIDS) to detect pests in stored products. The system, which comprises a sound-insulated container for product samples with a built-in internal array of piezoelectric sensors and additional electret microphones to record outside noise, was used to conduct numerous measurements of the vibroacoustic signatures of various insects, including the Callosobruchus maculatus, Tribolium confusum, and Tenebrio molitor, in different materials. A normalization method was implemented using the ambient noise of the sensors as a reference, to accommodate for the proprietary, non-calibrated sensors and allowing to set relative detection thresholds for unknown sensitivities. The normalized envelope of the filtered signals was used to characterize and compare the insect signals by estimating the Normalized Signal Pulse Amplitude (NSPA) and the Normalized Spectral Energy Level (NSEL). These parameters characterize the insect detection Signal Noise Ratio (SNR) for pulse-based detection (NSPA) and averaged energy-based detection (NSEL). These metrics provided an initial step towards the design of a reliable detection algorithm. In the conducted tests NSPA was significantly larger than NSEL. The NSPA reached 70 dB for T. molitor in corn flakes. The insect signals were lower in flour where the averaged NSPA and NSEL values were around 40 dB and 11 dB to 16 dB, respectively.

Insecticidal efficacy of local diatomaceous earth compositions with different particle sizes against stored grain pests

In this study, the efficacy of a mixture of local diatomaceous earth (DE) with different diatomite compositions and particle sizes against stored-grain pests, Sitophilus oryzae L., 1763 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Tribolium confusum du Val, 1863 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), and Rhyzopertha dominica (F., 1792) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) adults was investigated in 2023 in the Entomology Laboratory of the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, KSU. In biological tests, 500 and 1000 ppm concentrations (mg DE/kg wheat) of different particle sizes (≤ 20, 20-75, 75-150, and ≥ 150 µm) of DE mixture and original DE (≤ 250 µm) were applied to wheat. The highest mortality rate for all insect species tested at 500 ppm was obtained from DE treatments of ≤20 µm. At 1000 ppm, 100% mortality was observed for T. confusum and S. oryzae in almost all particle size DE-treatments, whereas no local DE treatments resulted in 100% mortality for R. dominica adults. Moreover, the greatest reduction in the number of F1 generation adults for S. oryzae and R. dominica was obtained in the DE treatment of ≤20 µm at 500 and 1000 ppm. In conclusion, local DE mixture treatments with ≤ 20 µm particle size were found to be highly effective in the control of stored-grain pests.

Resources modulate developmental shifts but not infection tolerance upon coinfection in an insect system.

Energetic resources fuel immune responses and parasite growth within organisms, but it is unclear whether energy allocation is sufficient to explain changes in infection outcomes under the threat of multiple parasites. We manipulated diet in flour beetles ( Tribolium confusum ) infected with two natural parasites to investigate the role of resources in shifting metabolic and immune responses after single and co-infection. Our results suggest that gregarine parasites alter the within-host energetic environment, and by extension juvenile development time, in a diet- dependent manner. Gregarines do not affect host resistance to acute bacterial infection but do stimulate the expression of an alternative set of immune genes and promote damage to the gut, ultimately contributing to reduced survival regardless of diet. Thus, energy allocation is not sufficient to explain the immunological contribution to coinfection outcomes, emphasizing the importance of mechanistic insight for predicting the impact of coinfection across levels of biological organization.

Efficacy of thiamethoxam against Sitophilus oryzae, Tribolium confusum and Rhyzopertha dominica: The effect of commodity and dose rate

Laboratory bioassays were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of thiamethoxam as a grain protectant against Sitophilus oryzae, Tribolium confusum and Rhyzopertha dominica adults. Five concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 ppm) and four commodities (wheat, maize, rice, and barley) were evaluated. Mortality rates were recorded after 7, 14, and 21 d and progeny production was assessed 65 d after exposure. Thiamethoxam was more effective at higher concentrations and S. oryzae was the most susceptible species. Surprisingly, the highest progeny production was recorded for S. oryzae with 154.3 adults/vial, while no progeny production was observed for T. confusum at 2 and 4 ppm in most of the commodities tested. To conclude, thiamethoxam can provide an adequate level of control against major stored-product insect species in wheat, maize, rice and barley.

Determination of Biology and Prey Preference of the Predator Insect, Xylocoris flavipes (Reuter) (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) Against Storage Pests

This study was carried out to determine the biology of Xylocoris flavipes Reuter (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae), an important predator of stored product pests, and its prey preference on some warehouse pests. The study was conducted under laboratory conditions at 25±2ºC temperature and 55±10% humidity. Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs were used to determine the biology of X. flavipes. E. kuehniella, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), and Trogoderma granarium Everts (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) larvae were utilized to detect the prey preferences of X. flavipes. The mean development time (days) of five nymphs, female and male adults of Xylocoris flavipes on E. kuehniella eggs were as follows: 4.2±0.63; 3.1±0.57; 2.9±0.57; 3.0±0.00; 4.5±0.53; 104.2±17.01; 114.6±12.34, respectively. The average egg consumption for the aforementioned stages was: 5.0±1.76; 9.9±3.07; 9.1±6.01; 13.3±4.14; 22.5±4.79; 515.6±75.46; 286.2±24.39, respectively. Although mature male X. flavipes survived longer than females, females consumed more E. kuehniella eggs than males. The mean oviposition period of the females was 36.7±12.39 days, and the average laid egg number was 117.3±29.86. The consumed E. kuehniella eggs and larvae, T. confusum, and T. granarium larvae during the predator nymph period were on average 63.1±6.01; 49.6±2.76; 26.8±3,52; 12.8±4.29, respectively. The average development time (days) of the nymphs for the aforementioned consumption stages were 16.4±1.96; 15.4±0.52; 16.2±1.14; 21.6±4.62, respectively. The consumed E. kuehniella eggs and larvae, T. confusum, and T. granarium larvae during the predator adult period were on average 570±231.32; 249.5±142.10; 218.1±110.57; 22.2±6.23, respectively. The average development time (days) of the adults for the aforementioned consumption stages were 87.5±30.92; 75.9±41.18; 89.3±43.55; 24.5±7.18 days, respectively. X. flavipes preferred mostly E. kuehniella eggs among the preys during the nymph and adult stages, and least T. granarium larvae.

Effects of sulfur dioxide fumigation on mortality of confused flour beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and rice weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) fumigation was studied in laboratory to determine its potential as an alternative treatment for postharvest control of stored product insects, confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), and rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Three-hour fumigations with 0.1%-2.0% SO2 were conducted against eggs, immature stages, and adults of the 2 insects at 20 °C. Effective control of both insects was achieved. However, there were considerable variations between the 2 insects and among different life stages. Confused flour beetle was more susceptible to SO2 fumigation than rice weevil. Complete control of adults and all life stages of confused flour beetle was achieved in 3-h fumigations with 0.5% and 2.0% SO2, respectively. For rice weevil, 3-h fumigation with 1.5% SO2 resulted in 96.5% adult mortality and the fumigation with 2.0% SO2 resulted in 99.27% mortality of adults and 87.5% mortality of immature stages. Three-hour fumigations with 1% SO2 resulted in <5% egg survival to adults. The study demonstrated high efficacy of SO2 fumigation against the insects and suggested that SO2 fumigation has good potential for postharvest pest control on stored products.

Artemisia fragrans Willd. Essential Oil: Chemical Profile and Insecticidal Potential against the Confused Flour Beetle, Tribolium confusum du Val.

The confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum du Val, is one of the cosmopolitan and polyphagous storage insect pests. The frequent application of chemical insecticides has resulted in several side effects, including threats to human health and non-target organisms and the resistance of insect pests. In the current study, the fumigant toxicity and feeding deterrence potential of Artemisia fragrans Willd. essential oil on T. confusum adults were investigated. The essential oil was rich in terpenic compounds, in which α-thujone (27.8%) and 1,8-cineole (22.8%) were dominant. The essential oil displayed significant fumigant toxicity on T. confusum, where a concentration of 35.3 μL/L caused 100% mortality of the treated adults after 48 h. The LC30 and LC40 values (lethal concentrations to kill 30% and 40% of tested insects: 15.1 and 18.4 μL/L, respectively) significantly decreased the nutritional indices of the pest, including the consumption index, relative consumption rate, and relative growth rate. The feeding deterrence index of the essential oil were calculated as being 62.29 and 48.66% for the concentrations of 15.1 and 18.4 μL/L after 5 days, respectively. Accordingly, A. fragrans essential oil can be considered an efficient, available, and natural alternative to detrimental chemical pesticides in the management of T. confusum.

Isolation, molecular identification, and efficacy of indigenous entomopathogenic fungus isolates against Tribolium confusum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae and adults

Isolation, molecular identification, and efficacy of indigenous entomopathogenic fungus isolates against Tribolium confusum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae and adults

Environmental impact assessment of dicationic ionic liquids with ammonium-phosphonium cations and amino acid anions

Progress in the development of biodegradable or biobased ionic liquids (ILs) has led to the design of green compounds for several applications. Herein, four biocompatible dicationic ionic liquids (DILs) with ammonium-phosphonium cations and amino acid anions were synthesized and investigated their environmental impact. The structures of the DILs were confirmed by spectral analyses (1H, 13C and 31P NMR). Furthermore, physicochemical properties such as density, viscosity and refractive index were determined. Water content, bromide content and solubility were thereafter determined as the parameters needed for further studies. Subsequently, their antifeedant activity towards economically important pests of grain in storage warehouses: the granary weevil, the confused flour beetle, and the khapra beetle was examined, showing the dependence on structure. Moreover, selected DILs were investigated for toxicity towards white mustard, Daphnia magna, and Artemia franciscana to specify the environmental impact. These studies were complemented by understand the biodegradation of DILs by bacterial communities derived from soil at the agricultural land. The result was DILs with limited environmental footprints that have great potential for further application studies.

Surface application of diatomaceous earth, SilicoSec® are effective on Sitophilus granarius and Rhyzopertha dominica, but less against Tribolium confusum

Diatomaceous earth (DE) has a promising potential in the control of stored-product pests. Most of the studies on the insecticidal potential of DE products are based on their persistent effects or the mortality they lead to via mixing with the grain. However, the knowledge on the performance of DEs on a particular surface is limited. In the current study, the insecticidal efficacy of a DE product, SilicoSec® was investigated against adults of Sitophilus granarius, Rhyzopertha dominica, and Tribolium confusum by surface application at 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 g/m2 on a concrete surface that is commonly used in storage structures. In S. granarius experiment, the highest immediate mortalities (89.2-99.2%) were obtained by the 5-day exposure even at the lowest rate (2.5 g/m2), while the highest delayed mortalities were 92.5% and 85% at rates of 2.5 and 20 g/m2, respectively by the 3-day exposure. In R. dominica experiment, the highest immediate mortalities (92.5-98.3%) were obtained by the 3-day exposure even at the lowest rate, while the highest delayed mortalities were 90.1 and 98.3% at rates of 10 and 20 g/m2, respectively, by the 1-day exposure. In T. confusum experiment, the highest immediate mortalities (83.3-91.0%) were obtained by the 7-day exposure at 10 or 20 g/m2, while the highest delayed mortalities were obtained by the 7-day exposure, and were 90.0 and 95.9% at rates of 10 and 20 g/m2, respectively. In conclusion, the insecticidal effect of surface application of SilicoSec® was high, moderate, and low against S. granarius, R. dominica, and T. confusum, respectively at concrete surfaces. A rate of 2.5 g/m2 of SilicoSec® provided an efficient control for S. granarius and R. dominica by 3- and 5-day exposures, respectively, while comparable mortality was obtained at a higher rate (10 or 20 g/m2) and exposure time (7-day) for T. confusum.

Effect of silver nanoparticles synthesized by Lecanicillium lecanii and their combinations with insecticides (Sivanto and Deltamethrin) on larvae and adults of Tribolium confusum Duv. (Tenebrionidae : Coleoptera)

This research focused on developing a nanopesticide derived from silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized through the metabolic activities of the fungus Lecanicillium lecanii Gams &amp; Zare 2001). The study aimed to assess its efficacy against the flour beetle Tribolium confusum and explore its synergistic effects with two chemical pesticides, Sivanto 20% and deltamethrin 2.5%. Biotinylated AgNPs were successfully produced using the biomass of the fungus L. lecanii. Characterization of silver nanoparticles was achieved through the observable color change of silver nitrate solution (AgNO₃) from a clear or watery state to red, brown, or dark red, confirmed by UVV is spectroscopy, with the highest absorption peak at 420 nm, indicative of silver element absorption. Transmission electron microscope images illustrated that the biologically prepared AgNPs with L. lecanii exhibited spherical shapes with sizes ranging from 12 to 40 nanometers. Various concentrations of nanopesticide, Sivanto, and deltamethrin were tested for the treatment of grains. A concentration of 1 ml/L of deltamethrin showed superior performance, with the mortality ratio increasing with prolonged exposure. Both Sivanto and deltamethrin (0.5 ml/L and 0.4 ml/L) caused 100% mortality, followed by the nanopesticide (30% concentration), reaching a corrected mortality rate of 39.3% against adults of T. confusum. In the larval experiment, the mortality rate was high when applying AgNPs at a concentration of 100%, comparable to Sivanto 0.5 ml/L under similar conditions. Deltamethrin exhibited complete mortality at a 1 ml/L concentration. [ Keywords: Silver Nanoparticles, Lecanicillium lecanii, Tribolium confusum

Antioxidant, insecticidal, antifeedant, and repellent activities of oregano (Origanum vulgare)

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the antioxidant capacity, the insecticidal, feeding deterrence, repellent effects against Tribolium confusum of the essential oil (EO) and the organic extracts (ME) of Origanum vulgare. The chemical composition of the EO revealed the presence thirty-nine components dominated by carvacrol (81%). With respect to the EO, the ME acted as a potent free radical scavenger with IC50 values of 0.127 and 0.058 mg/mL, respectively. The EO exhibited the most significant toxicity compared to the ME with a mortality of 62 and 20% at 0.08 µL/insect after 24h whereas the EO expressed the highest repellency compared to the ME with a PR of 70 and 38% after 24h. As for feeding deterrence, both samples influenced all nutritional indexes. The findings found in this work might help in the promotion of oregano as natural antioxidant, antifeedant, repellent and insecticide as an alternative to conventional harmful ones.

Pathogenicity of the Steinernema feltiae TUR-S3 (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) Isolate on Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) and Tribolium confusum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

For many years, pesticides have been employed to manage pests that cause losses in agricultural yield and quality during storage. However, as the harmful effects of pesticides on non-target organisms became apparent, alternative approaches gained traction. Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPNs), commonly used in biological control, are now being considered for controlling Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) and Tribolium confusum du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). This study evaluated the efficacy of Steinernema feltiae TUR-S3 (Rhabditida: Steinernema) isolate at five different concentrations (3 Infective Juveniles (IJs)/cm2 (8 IJs/adult), 6 IJs/cm2 (17 IJs/adult), 9 IJs/cm2 (25 IJs/adult), 18 IJs/cm2 (50 IJs/adult), 27 IJs/cm2 (75 IJs/adult)) against adult O. surinamensis and T. confusum. The results indicated the highest mortality rate, reaching 83.33%, was achieved in both pests at a concentration of 27 IJs/cm2 (75 IJs/adult). This suggests promising potential for controlling O. surinamensis and T. confusum using this approach.

Adult food and species type influence the nutritional physiology and tolerance of two flour beetles to the extract of Dennettia tripetala (G. Baker)

AbstractTribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Tribolium confusum (Jacquelin du Val) are common and damaging pests of stored grain flours in several homes and flour mill industries worldwide. This study examines how food, species, concentration, and exposure time affect the susceptibility and nutritional physiology of T. castaneum and T. confusum when exposed to partially purified methanolic fruit extract of Dennettia tripetala (G. Baker) and two of its major active compounds (linalool and 2‐phenylnitroethane). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the chemical profile of the partially purified plant extract. Thirty‐two compounds were found in the plant, including established insecticidal and insectifuge compounds such as linalool, cis‐vaccenic acid, 2‐phenylnitroethane, and linoleic acid, among others. The interactions among the factors have a differential impact on the susceptibility and nutritional indices of both Tribolium species to D. tripetala, linalool and 2‐phenylnitroethane. According to LC50 values, linalool and 2‐phenylnitroethane were the most and least toxic to both beetles, respectively. With increasing extract concentrations, all nutritional indices except feeding deterrence decreased. Relative to controls, linalool and 2‐phenylnitroethane evoked the highest and least reduction, respectively, in beetles' nutritional indices. Treated corn discs deterred both species over treated wheat discs, regardless of insecticide type. T. castaneum had a higher overall food consumption than T. confusum. Regardless of insecticide type, the relative growth rate was higher in T. confusum and T. castaneum fed with treated corn and wheat discs, respectively. D. tripetala extract, linalool, and 2‐phenylnitroethane showed higher post‐ingestion toxicity to T. castaneum than T. confusum. This study emphasises the importance of certain intrinsic factors, like beetles' species and cereal food types, when managing Tribolium species with plant‐based insecticides. The various data obtained from this study will help researchers and pesticide manufacturers formulate effective biopesticides from linalool and 2‐phenylnitroethane to control Tribolium species on corn and wheat flours.

Impact of Temperature and Nutrient Medium on Confused Flour Beetle Development

Impact of Temperature and Nutrient Medium on Confused Flour Beetle Development

Efficacy of Some Plant Extracts Against Stored-Product Pest Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium Confusum (Jacquelin Du Val) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Adults

The efficacy of five plant extracts, Lantana camara, Ruta chalepensis, Rhazya stricta, Heliotropium bacciferum and Marrubium vulgare against Tribolium confusum ware investigated by admixing plant extract with wheat grains. Mortality (%) increased with increasing concentrations, exposure periods and varying from plant to plant. L.camara and R. chalepensis induced the highest percent of mortalities (95.4 and 93.8%) at 500 ppm after 6 days of exposure respectively, for T. confusum, followed by Rh. Stricta, M. vulgare and H. baccifirum. (91.4, 84.5 and 83,3%) respectively. The lowest LC50s were for L. camara and R. chalepensis (114.61 and 117.78 ppm), after 6 days from exposure respectively, followed by Rh. Stricta, M. vulgare and H. bacciferum (175.48, 251.99 and 309.67 ppm respectively. The rate of repellency increased with increase of dose level. L. camara had the lead in repellent action where repellent percentage was 100 % at 500 ppm followed by R. chalepensiswith, 91%. The repellency rates of other plant extracts were between 50.22 -66.54 at the same concentration which had a moderate repellent action. Statistical analysis showed that all plant extracts revealed significant deference except between H. bacciferum and M. vulgare. Among all the plant extracts L.camara and R. chalepensi were generally more toxic than other plant extracts against T. confusum.

Insecticidal activity of two amorphous silica powders applied to concrete surfaces against the confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The increased demand for residue-free food grains has led to exploring diatomaceous earth formulations as potential alternatives to synthetic insecticides. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of two amorphous silica powders 1 and 2 with different elemental composition, particle diameter, and shape characteristics against the confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val. The insecticidal activity of the two silica powders was determined by exposing T. confusum adults to silica powder treated concrete arenas at different application rates (0, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0 g/m2) for 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. Mortality assessments were made after 14 d, and adult progeny counts were made at 42 d. Silica powder 2 demonstrated greater efficacy and produced 100% adult mortality and completely inhibited adult progeny production when adults were exposed for 24 h to an application rate of 4.0 g/m2. Complete mortality and complete suppression of adult progeny production was noticed after 36 h exposure to 3.5 g/m2 of silica powder 1. Exposure of T. confusum adults to 6 g/m2 of silica powder 1 and 4 g/m2 of silica powder 2 gave complete mortality after 24 and 20 h, respectively. No adult progeny production was observed when adults were exposed for 24 h to 6 g/m2 and 4 g/m2 of silica powder 1 and silica powder 2, respectively. These findings suggest that the two silica powders hold promise for managing T. confusum, particularly in treating empty bin floors before storing new grains.

Chemical composition, antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal activity of Echinophora chrysantha essential oil

This study presents an investigation of the chemical composition and biological activities of the essential oil (EO) extracted from aerial parts of Echinophora chrysantha (EC). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of twenty-two components, representing 97.5% of the total oil. Major constituents were determined as α-phellandrene (55.74%), β-phellandrene (17.41%), and p-cymene (8.95%). The EO was screened for antimicrobial and antifungal activity against a panel of bacteria and fungi using a broth micro-dilution and fumigant activity assay, respectively. EO sample exhibited better activity against Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus Enterococcus faecium with 31.25, 31.25, and 62.5 μg/mL MIC values. EOs showed moderate mycelium growth inhibitory activity against Phytophthora infestans (32.9±1.9%), Verticillium dahliae (42.3±1.8%), and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (53.0±2.9%) at 8 μL/petri concentration. The insecticidal activity of EO was also evaluated against two insects (Rhyzopertha dominica and Tribolium confusum) showing moderate activity with mortality rates of 25.8±0.6% and 37.9±1.2% at a 5% (v/v) concentration. Literature search has not revealed any previous work on the antimicrobial, antifungal, and insecticidal activities of the EO from E. chrysantha. In conclusion, this is the first report describing the biological activities of this plant EOs. Additionally, these findings highlight the practical implications of the utilizing essential oil of EC as a potential natural remedy against a spectrum of microbial threats in both pharmaceutical and food preservation applications.

Preliminary phytochemical screening, &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; antioxidant activity and insecticidal activity of methanolic leaves extract of &lt;i&gt;Cedrus atlantica&lt;/i&gt; from Belezma, Algeria

This work was conceived in the context of valorisation of the endemic forest species Cedrus atlantica (Pinaceae family), widespread in the mountainous massif of eastern Algeria. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and insecticidal activity of the methanolic extract of the aerial part (leaves) of C. atlantica (CAMeOH). The extraction made it possible to obtain a yield of approximately 7.49% from 350 g of dry powdered plant material. The results of the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids and flavonoids as major components. In vitro antioxidant evaluation was carried out using two different methods. The reducing power assay test result revealed an optical density (DO) value of 1.7±0.02 at a dose of 600 µg/mL of CAMeOH. Concerning the iron chelation activity, the recorded IC50 value was 62.12 μg/mL and R²=0.87. The insecticidal activity against the stored-food insect Tribolium confusum was evaluated using the contact treatment mode and showed a significant dose-dependent effect (P≤0.05) with a mortality rate of 98.32 ± 0.50 % at a dose of 50 mg/mL (after 96 hours of contact). The results of this study confirmed the potential antioxidant and insecticidal activity of the methanolic extract from the leaves of C. atlantica.