Fumigant Effects of Essential Oils of Foeniculum vulgare, Zataria multiflora, Carum copticum, and Cuminum cyminum on Two Major Stored-Product Pest Species, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) and Ephestia kuehniella Zeller

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Graduated MSc Student, Department of Plant Protection, Mehrgan Non-Governmental Higher Education Institute, Mahalat, Iran.

2 Associate professor, Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.

10.22092/bcpp.2025.370345.395

Abstract

Excessive reliance on chemical pesticides in stored-product pest management over recent decades has raised serious concerns regarding the development of resistance in insect populations, contamination of food products and the environment, and potential risks to human health and non-target organisms. These challenges underscore the necessity of identifying and applying safer, more sustainable, and environmentally compatible alternatives. In this context, plant essential oils, rich in diverse bioactive compounds, have attracted considerable attention as natural insecticides due to their strong toxic effects, rapid environmental degradation, low mammalian toxicity, and compatibility with integrated pest management (IPM) programs. In the present study, the fumigant toxicity of essential oils from four plant species—fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora), ajwain (Carum copticum), and cumin (Cuminum cyminum)—was evaluated against adults of the cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) and larvae of the Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella) under laboratory conditions. Experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications, and data were analyzed using probit analysis to estimate LC₅₀ values. The results showed that all tested essential oils had significant fumigant effects against both pest species; however, toxicity levels varied among oils and insect species. Shirazi thyme essential oil exhibited the highest insecticidal activity, with LC₅₀ values of 5.64 and 144.5 μL/L air for C. maculatus adults and E. kuehniella larvae, respectively. This was followed by cumin essential oil, with LC₅₀ values of 132.3 (adults) and 405.9 (larvae), ajwain essential oil with LC₅₀ values of 149.3 and 416.7, and fennel essential oil with LC₅₀ values of 239.5 and 611.8 μL/L air, respectively. Overall, C. maculatus adults were more susceptible to the tested essential oils than E. kuehniella larvae. These findings indicate the high potential of plant essential oils, particularly Shirazi thyme and cumin, as effective botanical fumigants for stored-product pest control. Their application could reduce dependence on synthetic pesticides, minimize chemical residues in stored commodities, improve food quality and safety, and contribute to environmentally friendly and sustainable pest management. Furthermore, the consistency of these results with previous research highlights the importance of further studies to optimize formulations, investigate synergistic effects, and evaluate efficacy under real storage conditions.
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Main Subjects

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BioControl in Plant Protection
Volume 12, Issue 1
August 2024
Pages 113-130

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