Activity of Six Essential Oils Extracted from Tunisian Plants against Legionella pneumophila

The aim of this study was to investigate the composition of six essential oils extracted from Tunisian plants, i.e., Artemisia herba‐alba Asso , Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck , Juniperus phoenicea L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Ruta graveolens L., and Thymus vulgaris L., and to evaluate their activity against Legionella pneumophila (microdilution assays). Eight Legionella pneumophila strains were studied, including the two well‐known serogroup 1 Lens and Paris strains as controls and six environmental strains isolated from Tunisian spas belonging to serogroups 1, 4, 5, 6, and 8. The essential oils were generally active against L. pneumophila. The activities of the A. herba‐alba, C. sinensis, and R. officinalis essential oils were strain‐dependent, whereas those of the J. phoenicea and T. vulgaris oils, showing the highest anti‐Legionella activities, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) lower than 0.03 and lower than or equal to 0.07 mg/ml, respectively, were independent of the strains' serogroup. Moreover, the microorganisms treated with T. vulgaris essential oil were shorter, swollen, and less electron‐dense compared to the untreated controls. Isoborneol (20.91%), (1S)‐α‐pinene (18.30%) β‐phellandrene (8.08%), α‐campholenal (7.91%), and α‐phellandrene (7.58%) were the major components isolated from the J. phoenicea oil, while carvacrol (88.50%) was the main compound of the T. vulgaris oil, followed by p‐cymene (7.86%). This study highlighted the potential interest of some essential oils extracted from Tunisian plants as biocides to prevent the Legionella risk.     

Efficacy of plant essential oils against two major insect pests of coffee (Coffee berry borer,Hypothenemus hampei,and antestia bug,Antestiopsis intricata) and maize weevil,Sitophilus zeamais

Coffee berry borer, antestia bug and maize weevil are serious pest of coffee and maize, respectively. Bioassays of plant essential oils were conducted with coffee berry borer, antestia bug and the maize weevil. Essential oils of Thymus vulgaris, Aloysia sp., Ruta chalepensis, Chenopodium ambrosioides and Cymbopogon nardus resulted in 80%–90% mortality of coffee berry borer, whereas essential oils of C. ambrosioides, T. vulgaris and R. chalepensis achieved 87.5%–92.5% mortality of antestia bug. Essential oils of C. ambrosioides caused significantly the highest percentage mortality of the maize weevils (95%) with “Lethal Dose” (LD₅₀) values of 2.202 ml 100 ml^?1 within 24 h after treatment, whereas essential oils of Mentha spicata, T. vulgaris and R. chalepensis resulted in 82.5%, 77.5% and 73.5% mortality, respectively. The potential of plant essential oils for the management of coffee berry borer, antestia bug and maize weevil for the small-scale farmers is discussed.     

Antimicrobial,Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Essential Oils from Five Selected Herbs

Eucalyptus bridgesiana, Cymbopogon martinii, Thymus vulgaris, Lindernia anagallis, and Pelargonium fragrans are five species of herbs used in Asia. Their essential oils were analyzed by GC-MS, and a total of 36 components were detected. The results of our study indicated that, except for the essential oil of P. fragrans, all of the essential oils demonstrated obvious antimicrobial activity against a broad range of microorganisms. The C. martinii essential oil, which is rich in geraniol, was the most effective antimicrobial additive. All of the essential oils demonstrated antioxidant activities on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay, β-carotene/linoleic acid assay, and nitric oxide radical scavenging assay. Furthermore, the T. vulgaris essential oil, which possesses plentiful thymol, exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. For P. acnes-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the essential oils of P. aeruginosa, C. martinii, and T. vulgaris reduced the TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 secretion levels of THP-1 cells.     

Comparison of Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils,Plant Extracts and Methylparaben in Cosmetic Emulsions: 2 Months Study

The aim of the study was to compare the preservative effectiveness of plant extracts (Matricaria chamomilla, Aloe vera, Calendula officinalis) and essential oils (Lavandulla officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia, Cinnamomum zeylanicum) with methylparaben in cosmetic emulsions against skin microflora during 2 months of application by volunteers. Cosmetic emulsions with extracts (2.5 %), essential oils (2.5 %), methylparaben (0.4 %) or placebo were tested by 40 volunteers during 2 months of treatment. In order to determine microbial purity of the emulsions, the samples were taken after 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of application. Throughout the trial period it was revealed that only cinnamon oil completely inhibited the growth of bacteria, yeast and mould, as compared to all other essential oils, plant extracts and methylparaben in the tested emulsions. This result shows that cinnamon oil could successfully replace the use of methylparaben in cosmetics, at the same time ensuring microbiological purity of a cosmetic product under its in-use and storage conditions.     

Evaluation of commercial essential oil samples on the growth of postharvest pathogen Monilinia fructicola (G. Winter) Honey

Aim: To assess the effect of several commercial essential oils samples Australian lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora), cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), oregano (Origanum vulgare), thyme oil (Thymus vulgaris), clove bud (Eugenia caryophyllata), valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and Australian tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) on mycelium growth and spore germination of Monilinia fructicola. The effectiveness of lemon myrtle essential oil as a fumigant for the control of brown rot in nectarines was evaluated. Methods and Results: Monilinia fructicola exhibited a different level of sensitivity to each tested essential oil with results suggesting that the essential oils provide excellent control of the pathogen with respect to mycelium growth and spore germination at very low concentrations, whereas for others higher concentrations are needed to reduce significant fungal growth. In vivo application of lemon myrtle essential oil effectively reduced the incidence of M. fructicola on noninoculated fruit. Fumigation of nectarines following inoculation did not reduce the incidence of brown rot in comparison with the inoculated control treatment. No evidence of phytotoxicity on the fruit was recorded. Conclusions: Lemon myrtle essential oil exhibited the strongest antifungal activity against M. fructicola, in vitro and to a lesser extent, under in vivo conditions. Significance and Impact of the Study: The results demonstrate that lemon myrtle essential oil, in particular, has potential as an antifungal agent to control M. fructicola.     

Effect of a non‐host plant Phaseolus vulgaris on larval performance and oviposition of the oriental tobacco budworm Helicoverpa assulta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The oriental tobacco budworm, Helicoverpa assulta, is a specialist herbivore feeding on a few plants of the Solanaceae family including tobacco. Larval performance and adult oviposition of H. assulta were investigated in a non‐host plant, Phaseolus vulgaris (Fabaceae) in comparison with two solanaceous host plants, Nicotiana tabacum and Datura stramonium. Larvae provided with the P. vulgaris leaf died off at day 15, whereas 50% and 40% of larval populations fed on the leaves of N. tabacum and D. stramonium, respectively, survived at day 15. Larval growth upon feeding showed significant difference between the non‐host plant (P. vulgaris) and the host plants (N. tabacum and D. stramonium), but it was not significantly different between the two host plants. In the no‐choice experiment of oviposition, gravid females laid more eggs in N. tabacum and D. stramonium than in P. vulgaris. When the most likely acceptable host plant, N. tabacum, and the non‐host plant, P. vulgaris, were subjected to the choice experiment of oviposition, H. assulta females preferred to lay eggs in N. tabacum, where eggs were continuously laid during the whole experiment period. However, eggs in P. vulgaris were hardly detected throughout the period. This study showed that the non‐host plant, P. vulgaris, had a negative influence on the larval performance and adult oviposition of H. assulta, implying neonate stage is critical for larval survivorship, and ovipositional preference by the female is highly specialized to host plants. Further investigation is required to identify non‐host factors, which could be applied to the development of alternative pest management strategy against H. assulta.     

Antifungal activity of essential oils against three vegetative-compatibility groups of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Verticillium dahliae</Emphasis>

The antifungal activities of volatile phase effects of essential oils from Origanum onites, O. syriacum, O. minutiflorum, O. vulgare, O, marjorana, Thymus vulgaris, T. serpyllum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis and Micromeria fruticosa were evaluated for their ability to inhibit growth of three vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) of Verticillium dahliae. Carvacrol was the main component of O. onites, O. minutiflorum and O. vulgare essential oils, while γ-terpinene was the main component of O. syriacum. P-cymene and thymol were the dominant component of T. vulgaris and T. serpyllum. β- thujone and l-camphor were the main component of S. officinalis. Polegone and isomenthone were the dominant components of M. fruticosa essential oil. Based on the in vitro test, the degree of fungistatical effects can be ranked in the following order of inhibition: O. syriacum = O. onites = O. minutiflorum = O. vulgare = T. vulgaris > T. serpyllum > M. fruticosa > S. officinalis = O. marjorana > R. officinalis. The essential oils of S. officinalis, O. marjorana and R. officinalis displayed moderate antifungal activity, that increased with increasing concentrations. Among the VCGs, VCG2A and VCG4B were found to be highly sensitive to the essential oils. The essential oils of O. syriacum, O. onites, O. minutiflorum, O. vulgare and T. vulgaris were the most efficacious, demonstrating strong antifungal activity against all of the tested VCGs of V. dahliae at relatively low concentrations and they could find practical application as natural fungicides in the prevention and protection of plants from V. dahliae infections.     

In-vitro anti-<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vibrio</Emphasis> spp. activity and chemical composition of some Tunisian aromatic plants

The chemical composition of five aromatic plants (Mentha longifolia, M. pulegium, Eugenia caryophyllata, Thymus vulgaris and Rosmarinus officinalis) frequently used in food preparation in Tunisia was analysed by GC-MS. The antimicrobial effect of the essential oils obtained from these plants was tested against Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio fluvialis strains. Thyme oil exhibited a high level of antimicrobial activities against Vibrio spp. strains. The diameter of the zones of growth inhibition for V. parahaemolyticus species was interestingly high (ranging from 14.66 to 28 mm). The MIC and MBC values were interestingly low for thyme oil (MIC 0.078–0.156 mg/ml) and (MBC >0.31–1.25 mg/ml). These results showed that these plants especially thyme and clove, can be to be used for seafood preparation to protect against contamination by Vibrio spp. strains. An erratum to this article can be found at     

Trade‐offs in oviposition choice? Food‐dependent performance and defence against predators of a herbivorous sawfly

The sawfly Athalia rosae L. (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) is a feeding specialist on plant species of the Brassicaceae, which are characterised by secondary metabolites, called glucosinolates. The larvae can take up the respective glucosinolates of their hosts and concentrate them in their haemolymph to protect themselves against predators. Oviposition preferences of naïve females were tested for three species, Sinapis alba L., Brassica nigra (L.) Koch, and Barbarea stricta Andrz., and were related to larval performance patterns. Larvae were reared on either one of these plants and it was investigated how host‐plant quality influences both the developmental times and growth of larvae (bottom‐up) and the defence efficiency against predators (top‐down). Innately, almost all adult females avoided B. stricta for oviposition and clearly preferred B. nigra over S. alba. On average, larvae developed best on B. nigra. Female larvae reached similar final body masses on all host‐plant species, but males reared on S. alba were slightly lighter. The developmental time of larvae reared on B. stricta was significantly longer than on the other two plants. However, larvae reared on B. stricta were best protected against the predatory wasp Polistes dominulus Christ (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). The wasps rejected these larvae most often, while they attacked larvae reared on S. alba most frequently. Thus, larvae feeding on B. stricta theoretically run a higher risk of predation due to a prolonged developmental time, but in practice they are better protected against predators. Overall, oviposition preferences of A. rosae seem to be more influenced by bottom‐up effects on larval performance than by top‐down effects.     

Insecticidal and feeding deterrent activities of essential oils in the cabbage looper,Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Ten essential oils were tested against the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni larvae for contact, residual and fumigant toxicities and feeding deterrent effects. Against third instar T. ni, Syzygium aromaticum (LD₅₀ = 47.8 μg/larva), Thymus vulgaris (LD₅₀ = 52.0 μg/larva) (the two positive controls) and Cinnamomum glanduliferum (LD₅₀ = 76.0 μg/larva) were the most toxic via topical application. Litsea pungens (LD₅₀ = 87.1 μg/larva), Ilex purpurea (LD₅₀ = 94.0 μg/larva), Cinnamomum cassia (LD₅₀ = 101.5 μg/larva) and Litsea cubeba (LD₅₀ = 112.4 μg/larva) oils were equitoxic. Thymus vulgaris (LC₅₀ = 4.8 mg/ml) and S. aromaticum (LC₅₀ = 6.0 mg/ml) oils were the most toxic in residual bioassays. Cymbopogon citratus (LC₅₀ = 7.7 mg/ml) and C. cassia (LC₅₀ = 8.5 mg/ml) oils were equitoxic followed by Cymbopogon nardus (LC₅₀ = 10.1 mg/ml) in this bioassay. The remaining five oils showed little or no residual effects. In a fumigation bioassay, L. cubeba (LC₅₀ = 16.5 μl/l) and I. purpurea (LC₅₀ = 22.2 μl/l) oils were the most toxic. Cinnamomum glanduliferum (LC₅₀ = 29.7 μl/l) and Sabina vulgaris (LC₅₀ = 31.2 μl/l) oils were equitoxic. Interestingly, S. aromaticum did not exhibit any fumigant toxicity. Cymbopogon citratus, C. nardus and C. cassia strongly deterred feeding by third instar T. ni (DC₅₀s = 26.9, 33.8 and 39.6 μg/cm², respectively) in a leaf disc choice bioassay. The different responses of T. ni larvae to the oils in different bioassays suggest that these essential oils exhibit different modes of action. Based on their comparable efficacy with essential oils already used as active ingredients in many commercial insecticides (i.e. clove oil and thyme oil), some of these essential oils may have potential as botanical insecticides against T. ni.     

Fumigant toxicity of Laurus nobilis and Myrtus communis essential oils on larvae and adults of the Red flour beetle,Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Col.: Tenebrionidae)

Considering the invasion to food commodities by insects and harmful effect of chemical pesticides, essential oils are among the best known substances tested against stored product pests. These compounds may act as fumigants, contact insecticides, repellents or anti-feedants. In present study, fumigant toxicity of essential oils from Laurus nobilis L. and Myrtus communis L. was assessed on larvae and adults of Tribolium castaneum Herbst at 27?±?2?°C, 60?±?5% RH in darkness. Each essential oil was tested in five concentrations with three replicates. The LC₅₀ values of L. nobilis and M. communis against adults of beetle were calculated 243.78 and 56.11?μl/l and LC₉₅ values for them were 685.85 and 144.01?μl/l, respectively. For the larvae of T. castaneum, the LC₅₀ values for L. nobilis and M. communis were 211.64 and 69.63 and LC₉₅ values were 656.84 and 183.65?μl/l, respectively. Results showed that these essential oils may have potential as botanical control agents against larvae and adults of T. castaneum.     

Biological activity of essential oils from seven Azorean plants against Pseudaletia unipuncta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Ten essential oils from seven Azorean plant species were evaluated for their insecticidal, ovicidal, feeding‐deterrence and growth inhibition activities against Pseudaletia unipuncta. The oils of Laurus azorica (leaves), and Juniperus brevifolia (leaves) showed strong moderate insecticidal effect on fourth‐instar larvae causing 93.3% and 46.7% mortality, respectively. Juniperus brevifolia (leaves), L. azorica (leaves), Persea indica (leaves), Hedychium gardnerianum (leaves) and Pittosporum undulatum (fruits and leaves) significantly affected the hatching of P. unipuncta eggs (<8% eclosions). Five oils showed significant feeding deterrent activities (L. azorica, 92.4%, J. brevifolia, 93.6%, P. undulatum leaves, 95.5% and fruits, 83.8% and H. gardnerianum, 88.2%). All of the essential oils tested, significantly inhibited the larval growth after 5 days of feeding on the treated diet. Essential oils from L. azorica and J. brevifolia were the most potent growth inhibitors among the oils tested, producing a decrease in the initial larva weight (?14.8 and ?14.5 mg, respectively). Our results indicate that L. azorica (leaves), J. brevifolia (leaves), P. indica (leaves), H. gardnerianum (leaves), and P. undulatum (leaves and fruits) can be exploited for the development of bioactive compounds as a new source of agrochemicals. Further emphasis on isolation and identification of active constituents can be useful to develop new environment‐friendly insect control agents.     

Taste sensitivity and divergence in host plant acceptance between adult females and larvae of Papilio hospiton

On the island of Sardinia the lepidopteran Papilio hospiton uses Ferula communis as exclusive host plant. However, on the small island of Tavolara, adult females lay eggs on Seseli tortuosum, a plant confined to the island. When raised in captivity on Seseli only few larvae grew beyond the first–second instar. Host specificity of lepidopterans is determined by female oviposition preferences, but also by larval food acceptance, and adult and larval taste sensitivity may be related to host selection in both cases. Aim of this work was: (i) to study the taste sensitivity of larvae and ovipositing females to saps of Ferula and Seseli; (ii) to cross‐compare the spike activity of gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) to both taste stimuli; (iii) to evaluate the discriminating capability between the two saps and determine which neural code/s is/are used. The results show that: (i) the spike responses of the tarsal GRNs of adult females to both plant saps are not different and therefore they cannot discriminate the two plants; (ii) larval L‐lat GRN shows a higher activity in response to Seseli than Ferula, while the opposite occurs for the phagostimulant neurons, and larvae may discriminate between the two saps by means of multiple neural codes; (iii) the number of eggs laid on the two plants is the same, but the larval growth performance is better on Ferula than Seseli. Taste sensitivity differences may explain the absence of a positive relationship between oviposition preferences by adult females and plant acceptance and growth performance by larvae.     

Host selection,oviposition behaviour and leaf traits in a specialist willow sawfly on species of Salix (Salicaceae)

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Glucosinolate profile and oviposition behavior in relation to the susceptibilities of Brassicaceae to the cabbage seedpod weevil

Understanding how host‐plant characteristics affect behavioral and physiological responses of insect herbivores is of considerable importance in the development of resistant crop germplasm. Feeding, oviposition preference, larval development, and oviposition behavior of the cabbage seedpod weevil, Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Marsham) (= Ceutorhynchus assimilis Payk.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), were investigated on eight Brassicaceae species that differed in their glucosinolate profiles. The least preferred host plants for feeding and oviposition were the Sinapis alba L. lines while the Brassica carinata L. line was most preferred. Larval development occurred most rapidly on Brassica rapa L. and slowest on S. alba. Larval weight was highest on B. napus L. and lowest on S. alba. Total glucosinolate levels did not influence C. obstrictus larval growth or development; however high levels of specific glucosinolates such as p‐hydroxybenzyl and 3‐butenyl glucosinolate were associated with increased developmental time or reduced weight. The time required for oviposition behavioral events was measured on different host‐plant species: B. rapa, B. napus, B. napus×S. alba, B. tournefortii Gouan., B. juncea (L.) Czern, B. carinata, B. nigra (L.) Koch., and S. alba. The early steps in the sequence were completed faster on more susceptible host plants (B. carinata, B. napus, and B. rapa) than on relatively resistant ones (B. tournefortii and B. juncea). Females explored pods of B. nigra and S. alba, but oviposition occurred only rarely on these species. There was no significant difference in the location on the pod on which oviposition occurred among the different plant species. Mean eggs laid per female weevil were highest on the B. napus×S. alba hybrid and lowest on B. nigra and S. alba.     

Feeding and oviposition preference of Frankliniella occidentalis for crops and weeds in Kenyan French bean fields

Western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is an important pest of French beans in Kenya. However, information on the feeding activity and oviposition preference of WFT on crop and weed hosts associated with French beans in Kenya and other parts of the world is lacking. To determine the feeding and oviposition preference of WFT for crop and weed plants commonly encountered in French bean fields in Kenya, no‐choice and choice experiments were conducted using four important crop and weed plants. Among the crop plants tested, highest feeding and oviposition activity of WFT was recorded on courgette/zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) and French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Spinach beet (Beta vulgaris L.) and sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) were of relatively minor importance for feeding and oviposition. Among the weeds tested, gallant soldier (Galinsoga parviflora Cav.) was the most preferred host plant for feeding and oviposition compared with Chinese lantern (Nicandra physaloides L.), wild crucifer (Erucastrum arabicum Fisch. & C.A. Mey.) and pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus L.). Phaseolus vulgaris was the most preferred host for feeding and oviposition in the presence of G. parviflora, E. arabicum and A. hybridus. A positive correlation between the number of feeding punctures and the number of eggs oviposited by WFT on crop and weed plants was observed. The results of this study show that P. vulgaris, C. pepo and G. parviflora are both relatively good feeding and oviposition hosts of WFT. Cucurbita pepo and G. parviflora may serve as potential sources of WFT outbreaks within French bean fields.     

Chemical Composition of Juniperus communis L. Cone Essential Oil and Its Variability among Wild Populations in Kosovo

Ripe cones of Juniperus communis L. (Cupressaceae) were collected from five wild populations in Kosovo, with the aim of investigating the chemical composition and natural variation of essential oils between and within wild populations. Ripe cones were collected, air dried, crushed, and the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation. The essential‐oil constituents were identified by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses. The yield of essential oil differed depending on the population origins and ranged from 0.4 to 3.8% (v/w, based on the dry weight). In total, 42 compounds were identified in the essential oils of all populations. The principal components of the cone‐essential oils were α‐pinene, followed by β‐myrcene, sabinene, and D ‐limonene. Taking into consideration the yield and chemical composition, the essential oil originating from various collection sites in Kosovo fulfilled the minimum requirements for J. communis essential oils of the European Pharmacopoeia. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to determine the influence of the geographical variations on the essential‐oil composition. These statistical analyses suggested that the clustering of populations was not related to their geographic location, but rather appeared to be linked to local selective forces acting on the chemotype diversity.     

Effect of aromatic plant species on vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal establishment in Pistacia terebinthus

The inoculation of Pistacia terebinthus with vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi and the spread of the infection were studied using a mixed cropping system, under glasshouse conditions, with Salvia officinalis, Lavandula officinalis and Thymus vulgaris colonized by Glomus mosseae as an inoculation method. This method was compared with soil inoculum placed under the seed or distributed evenly in the soil. Indirect inoculation with all the aromatic plants tested significantly increased VAM root colonization of P. terebinthus compared with the use of soil inoculum, although the effect on plant growth was different for each one of the aromatic species used as inoculum source. Inoculation with L. officinalis and T. vulgaris were the best treatments resulting in high VAM colonization and growth enhancement of P. terebinthus.