Bioefficacy of plant essential oils against pulse beetles Callosobruchus spp. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in pigeon pea seeds with particular reference to Clausena pentaphylla (Roxb.) DC.

Thirty essential oils from higher plants of Gorakhpur Division (India) were evaluated at 0.36?μl/ml against two pulse beetles, Callosobruchus chinensis L. and C. maculatus F., causing infestation of pigeon pea seeds during storage. Clausena pentaphylla oil was more effective and exhibited absolute repellency against both the insects followed by Ocimum canum, Salvia plebeia and Zingiber zerumbet oils. Among these four oils, C. pentaphylla oil was most toxic and showed 100% mortality of both the insects at 10-μl dosage and 24-h exposure (LD₅₀?=?2.7?μl for C. chinensis & 2.4?μl for C. maculatus). Physical factors, viz. temperature, storage and autoclaving, did not cause any adverse effect on the toxicity of Clausena oil. During in vivo investigation, the oil protected 1?kg of pigeon pea seeds completely without reducing weight loss and seed damage up to 6?months when stored in gunny bags and glass containers. The oil was standardised by determining its various physicochemical properties. Thus, C. pentaphylla oil can be judiciously exploited as herbal insecticide against pulse beetles of pigeon pea seeds during storage.     

Protection of cowpea,Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp.) with Newbouldia laevis (Seem.) extracts against infestation by Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius)

Evaluation of protectant ability of Newbouldia laevis (Seem.) extracts against infestation by Callosobruchus maculatus in cowpea, Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp.) was carried out in the laboratory at ambient temperature of 28?±?2?°C and 70?±?5% relative humidity. Extracts from wood ash, leaf, stem and root bark were tested at different concentrations of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5%. One hundred per cent mortality of adult beetles was achieved at all concentrations within 72?h of treatment with extracts except in wood ash at 1% concentration, but they were significantly different (p?<?0.05) from the controls. All the extracts were still able to cause high beetle mortality after one, two and three months of cowpea storage at high concentrations (4 and 5%) except wood ash, although there was a slight decrease in mortality during the period of storage. All the extracts significantly (p?<?0.05) reduced oviposition and adult emergence of C. maculatus when compared with the controls although the reduction was higher at 5% concentration than others. Adult beetle emergence was completely prevented at higher concentrations (4 and 5%) except in wood ash. Both oviposition and adult emergence increased during the months of storage probably because of the slight reduction in the effectiveness of the extracts. The root bark extract was much more effective in reducing oviposition and adult emergence than others throughout the period of storage. The plant extracts of N. laevis was able to protect the cowpea seeds from damage and prevent weight loss. Cowpea seed damage and weight loss was significantly more (p?<?0.05) in the controls than other for the three-month duration probably because of the more adult emergence. The extracts from N. laevis did not adversely affect the germination of the protected seeds and seed germination ranged from 86.7 to 100%. It has been shown in this study that the extracts of N. laevis were effective against C. maculatus in cowpea although the root bark extract seemed to be the most effective while the wood ash extract was least effective. Their effectiveness, however, slightly decreased during the period of storage. N. laevis could be incorporated into pest management of stored cowpeas since the products are ecologically safe.     

Control of stored grain pest,Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), using the essential oils isolated from Zingiber officinale (L.) and Mentha pulegium (L.) in laboratory condition

Fumigant activity of essential oil vapours distilled from Zingiber officinale (L.) and Mentha pulegium (L.) was tested against eggs, larvae and adults of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.). Fumigant toxicity was assessed at 27?±?1?°C and 60?±?5% RH, in dark condition. The influence of different concentrations of the essential oil vapours on egg hatchability, larval and adult mortality was significant. Data probit analysis showed that lethal concentration of the essential oil to kill 50% of the population (LC₅₀) for egg, larvae and adult was found to be 1.151, 2.336 and 2.183?μl/l air of Z. officinale, followed by 0.072, 0.113 and 0.093?μl/l air essential oil of M. pulegium, respectively. Between these essential oils, Z. officinale is almost more toxic than M. pulegium on all growth stages of C. maculatus. The present study suggests that essential oils from these medicinal plants may be potential grain protectants as botanical alternative fumigants and could be used in the management of various life stages of C. maculatus.     

Biological activity of tree marigold, Tithonia diversifolia, on cowpea seed bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

The powder and ethanol extract of Tithonia diversifolia leaves were tested for their efficacy at five different concentrations (0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%) on bruchid mortality, oviposition and adult emergence of cowpea seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus at ambient tropical storage conditions of temperature and relative humidity. Results showed that the leaf extract had a higher bioactivity on oviposition, adult emergence and mortality of C. maculatus. The mean number of eggs laid on seeds treated with extract was reduced from 20.7 in the solvent-treated to 4.7 at 2%Tithonia extract concentration while adult emergence reduced from a mean of 92.2 in the solvent-treated seeds to 72.2 at 2.0% extract treatment. Mortality was 100% at higher concentrations of 3%, 4% and 5% within 24 h of extract application but at lower concentrations mortality was 73.3% and 93.3% at 1% and 2%, respectively after 24 h. Fourty-eight hours after application, 100% mortality of adult C. maculatus was obtained at all concentrations. The mean number of eggs laid was reduced from 41.3 in the untreated to 17.3 at 2.0% powder concentration while adult emergence dropped from 98.5% in the control to 74.2% at the highest powder concentration. The powder was effective at higher concentrations and longer exposure time. At 3%, 4% and 5%, 63–75% mortalities occurred within 24 h of application while at 48 h, mortality was 76–98% at 3–5% powder application rates. The results of this study revealed T. diversifolia as a potential candidate for bioinsecticide preparations because of antiovipositional, ovicidal and knockdown properties of its products, which have some volatile components.     

Response of cowpea bruchid,Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) to cheese wood,Alstonia boonei De Wild stem bark oil extracted with different solvents

Cheese wood, Alstonia boonei De Wild stem bark was extracted with five different solvents namely: methanol, ethanol, acetone, petroleum ether and n-hexane. The extracts were tested for insecticidal activity on cowpea bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.). Adult mortality and adult emergence of the insects were investigated. Oviposition deterrences using dual-choice and multiple-choice tests were also investigated as well as percentage damage and weight loss at temperature of 28?±?2?°C and 75?±?5% relative humidity. Results showed that at the rate of 2% extract per 20?g of cowpea seeds, methanol, petroleum ether and n-hexane extracts caused 100% mortality of adult cowpea bruchid after four?days of post treatment. When the bruchid had choice of oviposition substrate, they laid significantly (p?<?0.05) fewer eggs on cowpea seeds treated with extracts compared to untreated seeds. There was no adult emergence in seeds treated with methanol, ethanol, petroleum ether and n-hexane extracts and 100% reduction in F₁ progeny was recorded compared with untreated that had 81.86% adults emergence and 0% reduction in F₁ progeny. The results obtained from this study revealed that methanol, ethanol, acetone, petroleum ether and n-hexane extracts of A. boonei stem bark were effective in controlling C. maculatus and could serve as an alternative to synthetic insecticides for the protection of stored cowpeas against bruchids.     

Resistance to the cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) larva in pods of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

Thirty cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walpers, cultivars were evaluated as intact pods to determine if any possessed resistance to the cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabr.). Pod resistance was measured as pre-establishment larval mortality (PreM); those larvae dying after egg hatch but before penetrating into the seeds, and as post-establishment within-seed mortality (PostM); those larvae dying after penetrating into the seeds. Among the 30 varieties examined, PreM ranged from 57.9% to 99.4% and PostM ranged from 6.7% to 82.6%. Ten varieties exhibited total intact pod mortality (mortality from egg hatch to adult emergence from the seed) greater than 95%.Physical measurements were made of several pod and seed characteristics to ascertain whether the observed pod resistance was due to seed factors, pod-wall factors, or to interactions between the pod and seeds. Although resistance to breakage (from handling plus pod dehiscence) is a necessary characteristic for overall pod protection against C. maculatus; other factors are also important. Among the other pod and seed characteristics measured to identify major resistance factors, seed coat thickness was the one most highly correlated with pod resistance. Our results suggest that interactions between pod-wall and seed coat characteristics play a large role in pod resistance of cowpeas to C. maculatus.     

Protectability of nine Nigerian medicinal plants against cowpea beetle,Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) (Coleoptera: Bruchiidae) in storage

A study was conducted to examine the protectability of nine Nigerian medicinal plants against Callosobruchus maculatus at an ambient temperature of 28?±?2?°C and relative humidity of 70?±?5%. The nine plants used were dried and milled into fine powder before application. Among the nine plant powders used, Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides effected highest mortality rate of 73.40 and 100% at 5% (wt/wt) concentration within two and three days of application, respectively. The effect of this plant at this level of concentration was significantly (p?<?0.05) different from other plants. However, all the plant powders effected high mortality rate as they all achieved more than 50% beetle mortality within four days of application at 20% (wt/wt) concentration. Only the powder of Z. zanthoxyloides at 10% (wt/wt) concentration was able to achieve 0% adult emergence, 0% seed damage and 100% damage reduction. Moreover, powder of Z. zanthoxyloides, Aristolochia ringens and Colocasia esculenta at 20% (wt/wt) was also able to prevent the emergence of adult C. maculatus, prevent seed damage and achieve 100% damage reduction. All the powders had low weevil perforation index when compared to the control which had above 50% weevil perforation index. At all levels of concentration, the effect of the powders was significantly (p?<?0.05) different from the control. However, Z. xanthoxyloides appeared to be the most effective; therefore, the effective utilisation of Z. xanthoxyloides as a botanical pesticide could minimise the use of hazardous chemicals in stored product pest control since it is of a botanical source.     

Fumigant toxicity of essential oil of Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.) against three major stored product beetles

Application of plants essential oil for the evaluation of their fumigant toxicity and insecticidal properties is the goal of many researches. In this study, aerial parts of Artemisia vulgaris L. were subjected to hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus, and the chemical composition of the volatile oils was studied by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Alpha-Pinene (23.56) was the main component of the essential oil. Insecticidal activity of the oil was evaluated against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) and Rhizopertha dominica (F.) after 24, 48 and 72 h. After 24-h exposure time, C. maculatus was more susceptible (LC₅₀ = 52.47 μl/l air) and T. castaneum was more tolerant (LC₅₀ = 279.86 μl/l air) than other species. LT₅₀ values were indicated using highest concentration of LC₅₀ tests for three species. In general, mortality increased as the doses of essential oil and exposure time increased. These results proposed that A. vulgaris oil might have potential as a control agent against T. castaneum, R. dominica and especially C. maculates in storages.     

Fumigant toxicity of essential oil from Tanacetum balsamita L. (Compositae) against adults and eggs of Callosobruchus maculatus F. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

The essential oil of Tanacetum balsamita L. was tested against Callosobruchus maculatus F. at the rates of 5.12, 7.23, 10.19, 14.36 and 20.24?μl/l?air for adults and 5.3, 8.5, 10.8, 13.7 and 17.4?μl/l?air for eggs. All experiments were conducted at 27?±?1?°C and 65?±?5% relative humidity. Mortality was counted after 24, 48 and 72?h of exposure and all adults (dead and alive) were taken out of the vials and the vials were left at the same conditions for further 35?days to assess progeny production. For mortality of eggs, unhatched eggs were counted after 7?days. The adults treated with oil were more susceptible than eggs. At highest dose (20.24?μl/l?air) mortality of adults after 72?h, received 75.2%, but this amount for egg at 17.4?μl/l?air after 72?h was 49.06%. The lowest LC₅₀ value on 72?h was observed in adults (1.96?μl/l?air). Also, the lowest LC₉₅ value on 72?h was observed in adults (42.86?μl/l?air). The percentage of reduced progeny on 72?h was 50.92% at 20.24?μl/l?air. Our results suggest that T. balsamita can be used as an alternative to synthetic insecticides but higher dose may be needed.     

Investigation on the insecticidal efficacy of novel pellet formulation against Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Col.: Bruchidae) in three different heights and compared with phosphine

Applying essential oils, fumigant toxicity in stored products pests control has sharpened recently. Since these products have low penetration power and vapour pressure, their use in crop depth is restricted. The aim of this work was using controlled release technology to solve this problem. In this research, 1,8-cineole-based pellets were prepared by dry mixing method and physical load of 1,8-cineole on strach, which followed by pressing the mixture, using pellet maker apparatus, to form pellets. Insecticidal efficacy of produced pellets was investigated against adults (1–3?days old) Callosobruchus maculatus F. (Col.: Bruchidae) compared with phostoxin under 28?±?2?°C and darkness in laboratory condition. LC₅₀ and LC₉₅ of pellets against C. maculatus in 24?h were 0/017 and 0/050?ml active ingredient per L air, respectively. LC₅₀ and LC₉₅ of phosphine pellets against C. maculatus in 24?h were 0/124 and 1/852?ml active ingredient per L air, respectively.     

Acute toxicity of kaolin and essential oils from Mentha pulegium and Zingiber officinale against different stages of Callosobruchus maculatus under laboratory conditions

Naturally derived compounds such as essential oils and natural mineral are relatively cheap, non-toxic to food grains and environmentally friendly and would be suitable alternatives for currently used chemical insecticides if they have high insecticidal effectiveness. In the present study, acute toxicity of kaolin and essential oils from Mentha pulegium and Zingiber officinale were assessed on different stages of Callosobruchus maculatus at 28?±?2?°C, 65?±?5% R. H and dark condition. The calculated LC₅₀ values on the egg, larvae and adult stages of C. maculatus were 1.15, 2.33 and 2.18?μl/ml air for Z. officinale and 0.07, 0.11 and 0.09?μl/ml air for M. pulegium, respectively. The result showed that M. pulegium was more effective essential oil against different stages of C. maculatus compared with the Z. officinale, and also the egg and adult stages of C. maculatus were more susceptible against essential oils compared with larval stage. The LC₅₀ values of kaolin were 0.71 and 0.18?mg/cm² on egg and adult of C. maculatus, respectively. The combination of tested essential oils with kaolin increased mortality of C. maculatus adults compared with their application alone. It was found that tested essential oils and kaolin had high potential in controlling different stages of C. maculatus.     

Toxic and deterrent effects of two volatile oils against cowpea weevil,Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

The fumigant effect of Mentha piperita and Ocimum basilicum oils and their mixture against adults and eggs of Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) was evaluated. Bioassay experiments showed that Ocimum basilicum oil was significantly effective against adult and egg stage which was the least effective. However, in the fumigant toxicity experiments against adult stage, Ocimum basilicum oil at a dose of 1.0 μl/38.5 ml air caused 100% mortality (LC₅₀ = 1.88), the mixture of both oils at a dose of 6.0 μl/38.5 ml air caused 100% mortality (LC₅₀ = 10.3) and Mentha piperita oil at a dose of 80.0 μl/38.5 ml air caused 80.0% mortality (LC₅₀ = 41.224) during a one day exposure period. Regarding the oviposition deterrent activity, Ocimum basilicum oil achieved 100% oviposition deterrent (at a dose of 0.5 μl/38.5 ml air) followed by the mixture of Mentha piperita and Ocimum basilicum oils, which achieved 71.22% oviposition deterrent (at a dose of 1.0 μl/38.5 ml air) and Mentha piperita oil, which achieved 39.6% oviposition deterrent (at a dose of 5.0 μl/38.5 ml air). The essential oils and their mixtures studied here determined a significant decrease in the number of eggs hatched and in the emergence of adults. The eggs failed to hatch on using Ocimum basilicum oil at a dose of 0.6 μl/38.5 ml air. However, the number of eggs hatched decreased to 7.4 on using a mixture of oils at a dose of 2.0 μl/38.5 ml air and 14.0 with Mentha piperita oil at a dose of 80.0 μl/38.5 ml air compared with 25.0 eggs hatched in the control experiments. On the other hand, the percentage reduction in emerging adults were 100% for Ocimum basilicum oil, 90.9% for a mixture of the two oils and 72.7% for Mentha piperita oil. Results showed that Ocimum basilicum oil and Ocimum basilicum oils plus Mentha piperita oils in blend are potential alternatives to synthetic fumigants in the treatment of durable agricultural products. Successful adoption of plant oils in the protection of food commodities promises an eco-friendly option compatible with international biosafety regulations.     

Evaluation of different botanical for the management of cowpea bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus) in north-eastern Ethiopia

The pesticide efficacy of locally available seven botanicals “Gime” (Chenopodium ambrosioides), “Ayderke” (Jatropha curcas), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Melia (Melia azadirach), “Chobe” (Cisus rotonifolia), “Kelewa” (Maesa lanceolata) and “Antharfa” at a rate of 4% weight by weight was evaluated for the control of cowpea bruchid using 200?g cowpea seeds in 500?cm³ volume jar in 2010 and 2011 under laboratory condition at Sirinka Agricultural Research Centre. The combined analysis showed that “Gime” (both leaf and seed) had high speed of pesticide effect as it showed significantly higher per cent of parent adult mortality (84 and 71%, respectively) as to the standard check Malathion 5% dust (100%) in the first day of adult mortality count. “Antharfa” and “Ayderke” also have shown significantly higher per cent of parent adult mortality as to Malathion in the third and fifth day of adult mortality count, respectively. In the seventh day, all botanicals showed significantly higher per cent of adult mortality as compared to untreated check. “Gime” leaf and seed powder, “Ayderke” seed, Neem seed and “Antharfa” leaf powders significantly reduced the number of progeny emergence per day as compared to all other treatments. Moreover, these botanicals were effective in reducing per cent seed damage (0.00, 0.00, 0.57, 5.86 and 10.86%, respectively) and storage loss (0.00, 0.00, 0.073, 1.02 and 2.27%, respectively). Gime (both leaf and seed powder), “Ayderke” seed and Neem seed are locally available, simple for preparation and environmentally friendly. Therefore, these three botanicals can be recommended to satisfy the demand for organic food and save the seed damage and yield loss of cowpea caused by Callosobruchus maculates and bean bruchid (Zabrotes subfasciatus) which has similar biology with Callosobruchus maculatus.     

Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil of Nigeria Grown Hoslundia opposita Vahl (Lamiaceae) Dried Leaves and Its Bioactivity against Cowpea Seed Bruchid

Due to several ecological and human hazards of synthetic pesticides in postharvest crop protection, there is the need to search for eco‐friendly alternatives. In this study, chemical composition and insecticidal activities of essential oil (EO) obtained from Hoslundia opposita dried leaves were evaluated against cowpea seed bruchid. Eight constituents, predominated by oxygenated monoterpenes (78.86%), were identified using Gas Chromatography (GC)/MS. The constituents were 1,8‐cineole ( 1 ; 61.15%), followed by α‐terpineol ( 2 ; 16.81%), β‐phellandrene ( 3 ; 13.24%), β‐farnesene (4; 3.55%), α‐pinene ( 5 ; 1.89%), Germacrene D ( 6 ; 1.83%), cis‐sabinene hydrate ( 7 ; 0.90%) and caryophyllene ( 8 ; 0.63%). In fumigation bioassay, at 6 h after exposure (HAE), 0.78 ml EO/l air caused 35.33% mortality which was significantly lower than 60.90% and 63.6% observed at 3.15 and 6.25 ml/l air, respectively. Mortality reached 90.0% at 24 HAE regardless of the applied concentration. Lethal time for 50% of the bruchids (LT₅₀) at concentration of 0.78 ml/l air (6.89 h) was higher than the LT₅₀ at 3.15 and 6.25 ml/l air (4.72 and 4.44 h, respectively). H. opposita EO reduced Callosobruchus maculatus oviposition, while progeny emergence observed in EO‐treated seeds (2.42 – 25.73) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than 51.56 observed in control. The results confirm H. opposita EO's potentials for control of cowpea bruchids.     

Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematode,Steinernema carpocapsae against the diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella (L.) in laboratory condition

In vitro studies were carried out on the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella larvae using an insect entomopathogenic nematode isolate, Steinernema carpocapsae obtained from the Koppert company, the Netherlands. Larvae of P. xylostella were collected from cabbage farms around Mashhad city of Iran. During the study, the responses of larvae at 25?°C for three periods of 24, 48 and 72?h with different concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 third instar larvae of nematode (infective stage?=?IJs) per insect into 10?cm Petri dishes containing filter paper soaked with 1?ml of nematodes suspension were compared. Maximum mortality caused by S. carpocapsae nematode was 88% at 24?h, and it was 100% at 48 and 72 h. With increasing nematode population level and exposure time (ET in hour), mortality of P. xylostella larvae was increased. Based on probit analysis, LC₅₀ values of S. carpocapsae nematode in three test periods were 45.61, 12.02 and 40.80 IJs per insect, respectively. Initial ANOVA was performed for S. carpocapsae nematode. The effect of both nematode population levels (IJ) and ET on third instar larvae of the diamondback moth, P. xylostella and interaction between IJ and ET were significant. In general, it is recommended to apply this nematode in suitable condition for controlling diamondback moth.     

Insecticidal activities of essential oil of Callistemon viminalis applied as fumigant and powder against two bruchids

The fumigant and contact toxicity of essential oil (EO) extracted from the leaves of Callistemon viminalis and its aromatized clay powder (ACP) was evaluated against adults of Acanthoscelides obtectus and Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). The results obtained for fumigation assays showed that C. maculatus seems to be more susceptible (LC₅₀ = 0.019 μl/cm³) to the vapours of the essential oil than A. obtectus (LC₅₀ = 0.011 μl/cm³) after 12 h exposure. On the other hand, A. obtectus seems to be more susceptible (LD₅₀ = 0.133 μl/g) to the essential oil applied by contact on grains than C. maculatus (LD₅₀ = 0.170 μl/g) after 2 days exposure. The ACP was also very toxic towards the adults of A. obtectus (LD₅₀ = 0.100 μl/g) and C. maculatus (LD₅₀ = 0.098 μl/g) by contact on grains. At the doses of 0.133 μl/g and 0.266 μl/g, mortalities caused by ACP on grains were higher than those caused by the same dose of EO against the two bruchids. It is also established that both the EO and the ACP caused higher inhibition of F₁ progeny production of A. obtectus than that of C. maculatus. The loss of insecticidal activity of the two materials in the course of time has been observed; however, the toxicity of the ACP was more persistent than that of the oil in the course of time when applied on grains. These results suggest that EO from the leaves of C. viminalis can be used as fumigant agent against A. obtectus and C. maculatus. In addition, it could be advisable to use an adsorbent mineral material as carrier of this EO for the prolongation of its insecticidal activity in the course of time.     

Fumigant toxicity of Carum copticum L. (Apiaceae) essential oil on Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) adults under greenhouse conditions

Greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is one of the most injurious pests of greenhouse crops and ornamental plants in worldwide, both outdoor and indoor. This insect, feeding on plant sap, producing honeydew and transmitting plant viruses, causes quantitative and qualitative damages in plants. For controlling this pest in greenhouse, plant essential oils are mentioned instead of chemical insecticidal. So, in this research, fumigant toxicity of Carum copticum L. (Fam.: Apiaceae) plant oil on mentioned adult pest was surveyed. Dry ground seeds were subjected to hydrodistillation using a modified Clevenger-type apparatus and the resulting oil contained Thymol (50.07%), Gama-Terpinene (23.99%), P-Cymene (22.9%), Myrcene (0.51%) and 1,8-Cineole (0.5%). All bioassay tests were conducted at 27?±?2?°C, 65?±?5 RH and a photoperiod of 16:8?h (light: dark). This research was performed with a completely random design with six treatments (five different concentrations of essential oils plus control). Each concentration includes of three replicates and each replicate consisted of 20 adult of pests. The results showed that aforementioned essential oil shows significant mortality of adults 24?h after exposure. The value LC₅₀ of mentioned plant oil on T. vaporariorum was 1.03?μl?L/L air. And mortality percentage shows higher sensitivity of T. vaporariorum against application of essential oil. The value LT₅₀ estimated for T. vaporariorum in concentration of 1.03?μl?L/L air was 7.18?h. Fumigant toxicity this essential oil has had an ordered relationship with the concentration and time exposure. The results of this research showed that mentioned plant oil had appropriate insecticidal effects on these greenhouse pests. The findings showed that C. copticum L. oil has high impact on the above-mentioned pests and it is suggested because of its high potential in fumigant toxicity and its use in integrated pest management programmes in greenhouses is mentioned.     

Repellent effects of certain plant essential oil,plant extracts and inorganic salts to granary weevil,Sitophilus granarius (L.)

Repellency of six materials, two plant essential oil (clove and flax seed oils), two plant extracts (neem and harmal seed extracts) and two inorganic salts (silica dust and tri-calcium phosphate), to Sitophilus granarius L. were evaluated. Per cent repellency (PR) was determined for each material. Repellent effects of tested materials were proportional to concentration and higher concentration has stronger effect. Neem and flax seed oils had the strongest repellence effect (100%) after 2, 4 and 6?h of treatment at concentrations of 20, 10 and 5?mL/kg grains. Repellency activity of both oils was gradually decreased with the passage of time to reach its lowest level after 12?h of treatment. Their repellency tended to class IV or stronger during the whole exposure period. Neem and harmal seed extracts had maximum repellency (98.7 and 86.5%, respectively) at highest concentration (1000?ppm), while the lowest concentration (250?ppm) had minimum repellency effects (62.9 and 71.6%, respectively). Both extracts showed potent repellent activity against the pest and repellency values ranged between class IV and class V. The repellency action of silica dust and tri-calcium phosphate followed nearly the same trend as shown in case of oil and extracts. High repellent activities of silica dust and tri-calcium phosphate (87.3 and 97.4%, respectively) were observed at concentration of 5?g/kg, whereas the lowest mean of repellency (56.4 and 41.0%) was recorded at concentration of 1.29?g/kg. Thus, both salts exhibited high repellency activity against the weevil and repellency values ranged between class III and class IV.     

Comparative bioassay of different isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki on the third larval instars of diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep.: Plutellidae)

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is one of the most important pests of cruciferous plants throughout the world. In recent years, this insect has been a serious pest for cabbage fields in Tehran province. Resistance of P. xylostella to all main groups of insecticides has been recorded and it is ranked in the 20 most resistant pest species reported up to now. According to many researchers, to eliminate the problem of pest resistance to chemical pesticides, an integrated pest management programme should be used. In line with this, the uses of microbial control agents (MCAs) are discussed. The bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is one of microbial control agents of pests. It is characterised by its ability to produce proteic crystalline inclusions during sporulation. Cry1 protein has insecticidal activity and is highly specific to certain insects and not toxic to unrelated insects, plants or vertebrates. In this work, the pathogenicity of some Bt isolates, including Dipel, 20, 29, 79 and 87, was tested against P. xylostella and the lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) of their crystal proteins to P. xylostella third larval instar was determined. The experiment was designed in factorial in randomised complete design with 5 treatments (different concentrations including 10⁴, 10⁵, 10⁶, 10⁷, 10⁸ CFU/ml and 5 replications and with 10 third larval instars. Spore–crystal complex was applied to the surface of natural diets (cabbage leaves) and the mortality of P. xylostella larvae was assessed 120?h after exposure of Bt toxin in each treatment. Results showed that percentage of survival was significantly higher for control treatment. Results also showed that after 5?days, LC₅₀ for isolates of Dipel, 20, 29, 79 and 87 were equal to 1?×?10⁶, 1?×?10⁵, 5?×?10⁵, 4?×?10⁵ and 1?×?10⁴ CFU/ml, respectively. LT₅₀ were equal to 93.71, 48.04, 71, 40.49 and 75.28?h. Of and most the percentage larval mortality relate to attendance 87 and also at least percentage mortality is related to the groom Dipel.     

Insecticidal effects of Artemisia dracunculus L. (Asteraceae) essential oil on adult of Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) under laboratory conditions

Aphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) is one of the most important pests of agriculture worldwide. To control the pest population, research on the use of the environmental and plant-based compounds has increased in recent decades. So, in this study, effect of fumigant toxicity of Artemisia dracunculus L. essential oil on adults of the mentioned pest was studied. The essential oil of this plant was subjected to hydro-distillation using a Clevenger apparatus. All bioassay examinations were conducted at 27?±?2 and 65?±?5?°C relative humidity and a photoperiod of 16:8?h (light:dark). This research was performed in a completely random design with six treatments in different concentrations and times to evaluate the level of LC₅₀ and LT₅₀. Each treatment was evaluated in three replicates for different concentrations and times with each replicate consisting of 20 same-age adult pests. The results showed that the use of the essential oil of A. dracunculus L. shows significant mortality of pest 24?h after treatment. LC₅₀ value of this essential oil on adults of A. gossypii was 18.63?μL/L of air and LT₅₀ value of the essential oil on the mentioned pest resulted to be 10.74?h with a concentration of 18.63?μL/L of air. The results showed that by increasing the concentration and duration of essence treatment, the mortality rate also increased. Experiment results showed that A. dracunculus L. oil has strong effect on the above-mentioned pest and it will be suggested for using in the mentioned integrated pest management programmes in greenhouses for its high potential in fumigant toxicity.