Insecticidal potential of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) essential oil and extracts against the southern cowpea beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus)

Alla Abd AL Hassan AL Hilfy, Aliaa Abdul Aziz Hammed, Sura Samer Alwan

Abstract


Stored-product beetles cause substantial quantitative and qualitative losses in stored legumes worldwide, necessitating the development of safer and environmentally sustainable alternatives to synthetic insecticides. The present study evaluated the insecticidal potential of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil and extracts against larval and adult stages of beetles under laboratory conditions. Different concentrations (0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 mg/mL) were tested at exposure periods of 24, 48, and 72 h to determine mortality responses and toxicity levels. The results demonstrated that rosemary essential oil and extracts significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased mortality of both larvae and adults in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The essential oil exhibited greater toxicity than the solvent extracts. Maximum larval mortality (100%) was achieved with essential oil at 0.20 mg/mL after 72 h, whereas rosemary ethyl extract caused 89.58% mortality under the same conditions. Adult mortality also increased markedly at higher concentrations, reaching 93% after 72 h exposure to essential oil at 0.20 mg/mL. Probit regression analysis revealed strong linear dose-response relationships, with high coefficients of determination (R2 = 0.89-0.95). Furthermore, LC50 values decreased with increasing exposure duration, indicating enhanced toxicity over time. The observed insecticidal activity may be attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds, particularly 1,8-cineole and other monoterpenes, which likely interfere with respiratory and neurological functions of insects. In conclusion, rosemary essential oil and extracts demonstrated strong bioefficacy against beetle pests and may serve as promising eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides for the protection of stored legumes.


Keywords


Rosmarinus officinalis, Botanical insecticides, Callosobruchus maculatus, Essential oil toxicity, Stored grain protection

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.33804/pp.010.03.6089

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