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.