Diaperinus Adults Research Articles

Lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) displays negative phototaxis and conditional hygrotaxis.

Arthropods use a variety of environmental cues to navigate between and locate hosts. In agricultural systems, clarifying the relevant cues and their effects on arthropod behavior can inform management practices to reduce or inhibit the activity of arthropod pests. The lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) is a ubiquitous arthropod pest of broiler house chicken production, and while the patterns of movement and behavior of A. diaperinus are well documented, the specific environmental factors that govern these patterns are not known. We conducted behavioral assays testing the response of A. diaperinus adults and larvae to different wavelengths of light and to the presence of water. Alphitobius diaperinus displayed a significant repulsion from white, green, red, and blue light, while larvae consistently sought shelter and displayed no behavioral change in response to light. Dehydrated adult beetles displayed an attraction to water while hydrated beetles displayed a repulsion to water. Regardless of the availability of water, dehydrated beetles displayed a reduced repulsion from light. Taken together, these results indicate that A. diaperinus will hide from sources of light unless they are dehydrated. Knowledge of the environmental cues that influence the behavior of A. diaperinus could be used to improve methods of trapping, monitoring, and controlling populations of A. diaperinus in experimental and commercial settings.

The Effect of Temperature and Moisture Content on Population Growth of Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), commonly known as the lesser mealworm, is a significant pest that infests stored grains and other amylaceous commodities. In addition, the species has also been recognized as a viable and environmentally friendly protein source. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive research on the developmental response of this species across various temperature and moisture conditions. This study investigates the impact of temperature and moisture content of the commodity on the population growth of the lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). In the first series of bioassays, the progeny production of A. diaperinus adults was recorded after 50 days of incubation under a range of temperatures from 25 to 40 °C in cracked soft wheat with 11.3% moisture content, while in the second series, the moisture content of the wheat was adjusted to 5, 10, 15, and 20%, at 30 °C. Our results show that temperature largely influences parental adult mortality of A. diaperinus. The most suitable temperatures for optimal larval development and adult survival were found to be within the spectrum of 25 to 32 °C. Moreover, we found that the moisture content of the wheat that served as rearing media was also a factor of significance, since a gradual decrease in the larval numbers was observed with an increase in the moisture content. The findings of this study provide data to further enhance the pest control strategies of A. diaperinus in poultry farms but also to establish mass rearing standards and facilitate the production of the species for efficient use as food and feed.

Acmella oleracea extracts as green pesticides against eight arthropods attacking stored products

Developing sustainable control tools for managing noxious pests attacking stored foodstuffs is a timely research challenge. Acmella oleracea (L.) R. K. Jansen is a crop widely cultivated for its multiple usages on an industrial level. In this study, the extracts prepared with A. oleracea aerial parts were applied on wheat kernels for the management of eight important arthropod pests attacking stored products, i.e., Cryptolestes ferrugineus, Tenebrio molitor, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Trogoderma granarium, Tribolium castaneum, Tribolium confusum, Alphitobius diaperinus (adults/larvae), and Acarus siro (adults/nymphs). Extraction of A. oleracea was optimized on the base of the yield and content of spilanthol and other N-alkylamides which were analysed by HPLC–DAD-MS. Two concentrations of n-hexane or methanol extracts (500 ppm and 1000 ppm), obtained through Soxhlet extraction, were tested to acquire mortality data on the above-mentioned pests after 4, 8, and 16 h and 1 to 7 days of exposure. Both extracts achieved complete mortality (100.0%) of C. ferrugineus adults. In the case of A. diaperinus adults, mortalities were very low at any concentrations of both extracts. In general, the n-hexane extract was more efficient than methanol extract against almost all species and stages. Considering both extracts, the susceptibility order, from most to least susceptible species/stage, was C. ferrugineus adults > A. diaperinus larvae > C. ferrugineus larvae > T. granarium adults > T. molitor larvae > O. surinamensis adults > O. surinamensis larvae > T. confusum larvae > T. castaneum larvae > A. siro adults > T. molitor adults > A. siro nymphs > T. granarium larvae > T. castaneum adults > T. confusum adults > A. diaperinus adults. Our research provides useful knowledge on the efficacy of N-alkylamides-rich A. oleracea extracts as grain protectants, pointing out the importance of targeting the most susceptible species/ developmental stages.

Etofenprox vs. Alphitobius diaperinus adults: Residual efficacy on glass, plastic, wood, and ceramic surfaces

This study was conducted to assess the immediate and delayed residual mortality of two doses of etofenprox (half label dose/label dose) against Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) adults, for a period of six weeks. Etofenprox was applied on glass, plastic, wood, and ceramic surfaces, either in presence or absence of food. The highest immediate mortality was noted for label dose/no food on glass, reaching 77.8% mortality, the first week of the experiments. Complete mortality (100.0%) was recorded in the delayed assays on glass surfaces treated with label dose regardless of food scenario for the first and second week. All individuals were killed on treated ceramic surfaces at the label dose regardless of food scenario, while plastic surfaces suppressed the individuals at the label dose/no food scenario the first week. The highest mortalities were provided on treated glass at all bioassays, followed by ceramic, plastic and wood. Label dose caused the death to more individuals than half label dose. Also the presence of food resulted to less dead adults than the absence of food. Overall, the label dose of etofenprox without food is capable of suppressing the adult population of A. diaperinus for two weeks, treated on all tested surfaces except wood.

Efficacy of Phosphine on Different Life Stages of Alphitobius diaperinus and Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The efficacy of phosphine has been established for numerous major stored product insects. However, data related to the evaluation of the effect of phosphine on Tenebrio molitor L and Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer are limited. The present study aims to evaluate the susceptibility of these species to phosphine by using the following evaluation protocols: (a) all life stages were exposed for 3 days to different concentrations of phosphine, (b) adults were exposed to 3000 ppm until all exposed individuals were immobilized, using the Phosphine Tolerance Test (PTT, Detia Degesch GmbH, Germany), and (c) adults were exposed to 3000 ppm of phosphine for 90 min by again using the PTT protocol. For all series of bioassays, delayed mortality was recorded 7 and 14 d post-exposure. According to our results, 100 ppm for three days was sufficient to kill all life stages, including the eggs, for both species. Alphitobius diaperinus adults were found to be more tolerant than those T. molitor, as noticeable survival was observed, even after 90 min of exposure to 3000 ppm. Our study provides some initial data for the efficacy of short and long exposures of A. diaperinus and T. molitor to phosphine.

Deltamethrin residual mission against Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) on concrete for six weeks

Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is an important pest of stored-products and poultry houses. Despite the fact that there is knowledge about chemical management of this species, there are no data about the residual efficacy of deltamethrin. Therefore, this study compares the immediate and delayed efficacy of half label and label dose of deltamethrin treated on concrete surfaces, with or without food, over a six-week period against A. diaperinus adults and larvae. In first week, both doses of deltamethrin exhibited the highest immediate and delayed mortality at all food/no food scenarios, for both developmental stages, whereas its efficacy gradually decreased over the experimental period. Concerning adult mortality, it ranged between 6.7% and 31.1% the first week, while 1.1–13.3% the sixth week, after 7 days of exposure. Both doses exhibited elevated efficacy against A. diaperinus larvae. Label dose without food caused 100.0% mortality the 3rd day whereas label dose with food the 7th day of the first week. Total mortality (100.0%) was recorded at the end of the second week by both food/no food scenarios of label dose. The third week only label dose without food killed all larval individuals, the 7th day. During the sixth week, mortality ranged between 71.1% and 92.2%, at the termination of the experiments. Concerning delayed adult mortality, it ranged from 63.6% the first week to 7.9% the sixth week. As far as delayed larval mortality is concerned, all individuals died even the fifth week at label dose without food, the fourth week at label dose with food, the second and the first week for half label dose without food and with food respectively. Deltamethrin has elevated efficacy against A. diaperinus larvae despite the dose and food presence/absence.

Carlina acaulis essential oil: a candidate product for agrochemical industry due to its pesticidal capacity

Carlina acaulis L. is a herb mainly used in central Europe as traditional medicine or food. Recently, C. acaulis essential oil (EO) and its nanoemulsion showed elevated efficacy against several insects of medical and agricultural importance. In the current study, efficacy of C. acaulis EO was estimated against several stored product pests. The EO was sprayed on wheat to control Acarus siro L. (adults, nymphs), Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (adults, larvae), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (adults, larvae), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (adults), Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (adults), Tenebrio molitor L. (adults, larvae), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (adults, larvae), and Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val (adults, larvae). Carlina acaulis EO was mainly composed by carlina oxide (98.8%), with benzaldehyde (1.2%) and ar-curcumene (traces) as minor components. Both adults and nymphs of A. siro showed high mortality, i.e., 91.1 and 95.6%, after 7 days of initial exposure to 1000 ppm (1000 μL C. acaulis EO/kg wheat), respectively. This concentration provided the death of 25.6% of the exposed A. diaperinus adults at the termination of trials. Total mortality (100.0%) of A. diaperinus larvae was reached 2 and 4 days after initial exposure on wheat sprayed with 1000 and 500 ppm of C. acaulis EO, respectively. One thousand (1000) ppm of EO killed 96.7% of O. surinamensis adults and all larvae 7 and 2 days after initial exposure, respectively. Concerning adults of R. dominica and S. oryzae, 1000 ppm achieved complete mortality after 4 and 6 days of initial exposure, respectively. Tenebrio molitor adults reached 81.1% mortality after their 7-days exposure to 1000 ppm C. acaulis EO. All T. molitor larvae were dead after 7 or 4 days of initial exposure to 500 and 1000 ppm, respectively. Carlina acaulis EO caused 97.8 and 100.0% mortality to adults of T. castaneum after 7 and 5 days of initial exposure to 1000 and 500 ppm, respectively. Complete mortality was observed after 16 h (1000 ppm) and 2 days (500 ppm) of initial exposure for T. castaneum larvae. Similarly, both examined stages of T. confusum achieved 100.0% mortality at the concentrations of 500 and 1000 ppm, after 7 and 4 days (adults), and 1 day and 16 h (larvae) of exposure, respectively. Overall, C. acaulis EO demonstrated pesticidal efficacy higher to pirimiphos-methyl, a conventional organophosphate insecticide, against a wide range of stored-product pests. Therefore this EO represents a reliable option for further developing eco-friendly and non-hazardous pest management strategies.

Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer (Insecta, Coleoptera) in a single house of a broiler production facility as a potential source of pathogenic bacteria for broilers and humans.

Pest infestation in any stage can lead to a quality reduction in the finished products. This study aimed to detect Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., and Staphylococcus aureus in Alphitobius diaperinus adults, and in samples from broiler swabs, administered water and feed collected in a single house from a broiler production facility in central Italy. Three samplings were carried out, each collecting ninety adult beetles for microbial detection in the external, faecal and internal content; ten cloacal swab samples; and one sample of both administered feed and water. Microbiological cultures and biochemical identification were performed on suspected cultures and confirmed by species-specific PCRs. A. diaperinus was abundantly found near the windows, under the manger and in the corners of the facility. Salmonella enterica serovar Cholerasuis was found at the external surface of the beetles, while Staphylococcus xylosus and E.coli were in the faecal content. The latter micro-organism together with Staphylococcus lentus, S. xylosus and other staphylococcal species were detected in the internal microbiota. E.coli and Campylobacter spp. were observed in cloacal swabs, and S. xylosus in one feed sample. The study findings support evidence for Salmonella spp. and E.coli, and remark that adherence to sanitation rules and biosecurity procedures are required.

Possible reservoirs of thermotolerant Campylobacter at the farm between rearing periods and after the use of enrofloxacin as a therapeutic treatment

Campylobacteriosis is a zoonosis and the most frequent cause of food-borne bacterial enteritis in humans. C. jejuni and C. coli are the most common species implicated in campylobacteriosis. Broilers and their products are considered the most important food sources of human infections. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of thermotolerant Campylobacter in different reservoirs at the farm, and the permanence of this pathogen during four consecutive rearing periods. The samples were taken from the same house farm in the downtime period and during the last week of broiler rearing, prior to their slaughter during four consecutive cycles. Different reservoirs as potential sources of Campylobacter were analysed. The prevalence of Campylobacter in vectors was 23% in A. diaperinus larvae, 20% in wild birds, 13% in A. diaperinus adults, and 9% in flies; as regards fomites, the prevalence was 50% in workers' boots, 27% in litter, and 21% in feed, while in broilers it was 80%. Campylobacter jejuni was the most detected species (51%) in the samples analysed. In addition, some Campylobacter genotypes persisted in the house farm throughout consecutive rearing periods, indicating that those strains remain during downtime periods. However, our study could not identify the Campylobacter sources in the downtime periods because all the samples were negative for Campylobacter isolation. In addition, a remarkable finding was the effect of the use of enrofloxacin (as a necessary clinical intervention for flock health) in cycle 3 on the Campylobacter population. No Campylobacter could be isolated after that clinic treatment. Afterwards, we found a greater proportion of C. coli isolates, and the genotypes of those isolates were different from the genotypes found in the previous rearing periods. In conclusion, the effect of the use of enrofloxacin during the rearing period changed the Campylobacter species proportion, and this finding is particularly interesting for further evaluation. Furthermore, more studies should be conducted with the aim of detecting the Campylobacter sources between rearing periods.

Effect of cypermethrin on the control of lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) and broiler performance

ABSTRACT: This study analysed the effectiveness of using different levels of a product based on 6% cypermethrin and 2% citronella on broiler production and control the lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus). A total of 648 one-day-old chicks (Cobb®) which were allocated to one of three treatments (no application of the commercial product - control, and two concentrations of the product 2.00 and 3.33g/m2) in eight replicates with 27 birds each. The commercial product, which was based on cypermethrin was applied in the chambers with an atomizer. The lesser mealworm population was sampled weekly (1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days of the experiment) using traps, at three points (front, middle and back) inside the pen. The performance, carcass and cut yields were evaluated. At 21, 28, 35 and 42 days of the experiment, the number of lesser mealworm adults and larvae was lower in the treatment groups involving 2.00 and 3.33g/m2 of the product than in the control group. On the first and 14th days of the study, the number of lesser mealworms adults was lower in the group treated with 3.33g/m2 of the product compared to the control group, although the results did not differ statistically from those obtained with 2.00g/m2 of the product. In conclusion, the application of the commercial product at both concentrations (2.00 and 3.33g/m2) was effective in combating Alphitobius diaperinus adults and larvae, and the performance was not influenced by treatments.

Population Growth of Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) on Various Commodities.

The lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer), is a serious pest, but at the same time has been authorized in European Union (EU) for feed in aquaculture. In this study, we investigated, in laboratory bioassays, the population growth of this species, on a wide variety of commodities. In four series of bioassays, we studied the development of A. diaperinus population on various intact cereal grains, on soft wheat grains with different percentages of cracked kernels, on non-grain amylaceous commodities and on a variety of non-amylaceous commodities. Briefly, 20 g of each commodity were put separately inside plastic cylindrical vials. Then, 20 A. diaperinus adults were placed inside each vial and all vials were incubated at 30°C and 55% r.h. After 30 d, the vials were opened and the progeny production was evaluated. Alphitobius diaperinus showed a clear preference in amylaceous commodities, but in contrast, poor development was recorded on the non-amylaceous commodities tested. Hence, it developed well in most of the cereal intact grains tested, with the hard and soft wheat being the most suitable. Additionally, most non-grain amylaceous commodities were suitable, to a various degree, for the population growth of A. diaperinus. The increase of the percentage of cracked wheat positively affected the population growth of A. diaperinus. To our knowledge, this is the first study that examined the suitability of a wide range of commodities for the population growth of A. diaperinus.

In vitro assay and morphological characterization of a new product based on diatomaceous earth for lesser mealworm control in poultry houses

ABSTRACT: Diatomaceous earth (DE) is an inert powder obtained from milling the fossilized deposits of diatoms. Mainly composed of silica dioxide, DE is highly hygroscopic and is recommended for use in poultry houses as an evironmental conditioner, with a secondary action being the reduction of lesser mealworm populations Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer). This study aimed to characterize and assess the insecticidal activity of a new environmental conditioner for poultry houses (Poultry Sec®, Vet Science Bio Solution, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil) in the laboratory. The study was conducted by adding DE to poultry feed (1, 2 and 3 g DE/kg feed), as well as by applying the DE to the poultry litter (86 and 172 g DE/m2), with A. diaperinus adults (26°C in the dark for 10 days). DE samples were analyzed by optical microscopy to measure and count the frustules and to identify the genera of the components. The insecticidal action of the product was observed. When applied to the litter, the DE caused between 83 and 85% mortality. With respect to the qualitative analysis of the diatoms, we estimated the concentration of 1.2 × 106 individuals/g of the product, distributed in nine distinct genera, with Brachysira Kützing being the predominant genus (40%).

Synthesis and Antifeedant Activity of Racemic and Optically Active Hydroxy Lactones with the p-Menthane System.

Two racemic and two enantiomeric pairs of new δ-hydroxy-γ-lactones based on the p-menthane system were prepared from racemic and optically active cis- and trans-piperitols. The Johnson-Claisen rearrangement of the piperitols, epoxidation of the γδ-unsaturated esters, and acidic lactonization of the epoxy esters were described. The structures of the compounds were confirmed spectroscopically. The antifeedant activities of the hydroxy lactones and racemic piperitone were evaluated against three insect pests: lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer); Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say); and peach-potato aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulz.). The chemical transformation of piperitone by the introduction of a lactone moiety and a hydroxy group changed its antifeedant properties. Behavioral bioassays showed that the feeding deterrent activity depended on the insect species and the structure of the compounds. All hydroxy lactones deterred the settling of M. persicae. Among chewing insects, the highest sensitivity showed A. diaperinus adults.

Fumigant, Contact, and Repellent Activities of Essential Oils Against the Darkling Beetle,Alphitobius diaperinus

The fumigant, contact, and repellent activities of four essential oils extracted from Citrus limonum (Sapindales: Rutaceae), Litsea cubeba (Laurales: Lauraceae), Cinnamomum cassia, and Allium sativum L. (Asparagales: Alliaceae) against 6th instars and adults of the darkling beetle, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), one of the main pests of materials and products of Juncus effuses L. (Poales: Juncaceae) during the storage period, were assayed, and chemical ingredients were analyzed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in this study. While the major ingredients found in C. limonum and C. cassia were limonene and (E)-cinnamaldehyde, the main constituents of L. cubea were D-limonene, (E)-3,7-dimethyl-,2,6-octadienal, (Z)-3,7-dimethyl,2 ,6-octadienal, and diallyl disulphide (18.20%), while the main constituents of and A. sativum were di-2-propenyl trisulfide and di-2-propenyl tetrasulfide. The fumigation activities of A. sativum and C. limonum on A. diaperinus adults were better than those of the other two essential oilss. The toxicities of A. sativum and C. limonum were almost equitoxic at 96 hr after treatment. Essential oils from Allium sativum and L. cubeba also showed good contact activities from 24 hr to 48 hr, and toxicities were almost equitoxic 48 hr posttreatment. The repellent activities of A. sativum and L. cubeba oils on 6th instars were also observed, showing repellence indexes of 90.4% and 88.9% at 12 hr after treatment, respectively. The effects of A. sativum on AChE activity of 6th instars of A. diaperinus were strongest compared to the other essential oils, followed by C. limonum, L. cubeba, and C. cassia. These results suggest that the essential oils of C. limonum and A. sativum could serve as effective control agents of A. diaperinus.

Atividade da torta de nim sobre adultos do cascudinho dos aviários em condições de laboratório

O cascudinho dos aviários é considerado um importante problema mundial no sistema de produção avícola, por infestar os aviários e ser potencial vetor de patógenos às aves e ao ser humano. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar em laboratório a atividade da torta de nim, Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae) como forma alternativa de controle de Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). A torta foi aplicada diretamente no substrato (ração para aves ou cama de aviário) na quantidade de 100g m-2 do produto. Foram verificados os efeitos letais e subletais da torta contra adultos do cascudinho dos aviários, sendo eles: ação inseticida, efeito na oviposição, repelência e efeito na alimentação. A utilização de torta de nim pareceu não afetar a sobrevivência dos insetos, porém, a avaliação do efeito repelente, atividade alimentar e oviposição foram influenciados, sendo observada redução de 23% na oviposição e 21% na atividade alimentar.

Susceptibility of <I>Alphitobius diaperinus</I> (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) from Broiler Facilities in Texas to Four Insecticides

Lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), adults were collected from six eastern Texas broiler facilities and examined for susceptibility to four formulated insecticides. Data indicate that A. diaperinus adults exposed to filter papers treated with the label rates of the insecticides exhibit some level of recovery. Approximately 20% or less A. diaperinus adults treated with Tempo SC Ultra (8 ml/92.9 m2, 11.8% beta-cyfluthrin) or Talstar WP Insecticide/Miticide (23.3 ml/92.9 m2, 10% bifenthrin) and recorded as moribund at the 4-h observation period recovered by the 24-h observation period. A. diaperinus adults treated with Tempo SC Ultra and Talstar WP also had the greatest percentage of mortality for both observation periods. A. diaperinus adults treated with Dragnet SFR (49.7 ml/92.9 m2, 36.8% permethrin) had the greatest level of recovery at approximately 50-60% overall, which was similar to that recorded for the water-only control. Additionally, five of the six A. diaperinus populations treated with Dragnet SFR resulted in < 10% mortality for both observation periods. Unlike the other insecticides examined, Talstar Professional Insecticide (10 ml/92.9 m2, "Talstar Pro," 7.9% bifenthrin) resulted in approximately 50% more A. diaperinus mortality at the 24-h than the 4-h observation period due primarily to increased mortality recorded for Farm F. A. diaperinus adults from farm D had > or = 87% knockdown 4 h after treatment to all compounds examined, indicating a high degree of sensitivity to these compounds. However, approximately 90% of the A. diaperinus adults from this population treated with Dragnet SFR and recorded as moribund recovered by the 24-h observation. A. diaperinus adults from this population treated with the other insecticides exhibited limited recovery. Susceptible adult A. diaperinus populations are still present in Texas, based on the populations examined. But, identifying these populations is difficult and time-consuming. Consequently, screening populations before treatment might not be feasible. However, newer generation pyrethroids examined in this study seem to be suitable for suppressing A. diaperinus populations in broiler facilities.

Fumigant, contact, and repellent activities of essential oils against the darkling beetle, Alphitobius diaperinus.

The fumigant, contact, and repellent activities of four essential oils extracted from Citrus limonum (Sapindales: Rutaceae), Litsea cubeba (Laurales: Lauraceae), Cinnamomum cassia , and Allium sativum L. (Asparagales: Alliaceae) against 6th instars and adults of the darkling beetle, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), one of the main pests of materials and products of Juncus effuses L. (Poales: Juncaceae) during the storage period, were assayed, and chemical ingredients were analyzed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in this study. While the major ingredients found in C. limonum and C. cassia were limonene and (E)- cinnamaldehyde, the main constituents of L. cubea were D-limonene, (E)-3,7-dimethyl-,2,6-octadienal, (Z)-3,7-dimethyl,2 ,6-octadienal, and diallyl disulphide (18.20%), while the main constituents of and A. sativum were di-2-propenyl trisulfide and di-2-propenyl tetrasulfide. The fumigation activities of A. sativum and C. limonum on A. diaperinus adults were better than those of the other two essential oilss. The toxicities of A. sativum and C. limonum were almost equitoxic at 96 hr after treatment. Essential oils from Allium sativum and L. cubeba also showed good contact activities from 24 hr to 48 hr, and toxicities were almost equitoxic 48 hr posttreatment. The repellent activities of A. sativum and L. cubeba oils on 6th instars were also observed, showing repellence indexes of 90.4% and 88.9% at 12 hr after treatment, respectively. The effects of A. sativum on AChE activity of 6th instars of A. diaperinus were strongest compared to the other essential oils, followed by C. limonum , L. cubeba, and C. cassia . These results suggest that the essential oils of C. limonum and A. sativum could serve as effective control agents of A. diaperinus.