Chemical composition, insecticidal and insect repellent activity of Schinus molle leaf essential oil against Tribolium confusum, Rhyzopertha dominica and Sitophilus granarius

  • N. Torchane Echahid Cheikh Larbi Tebessi University
  • I. F. Z. Abes Echahid Cheikh Larbi Tebessi University
  • M. Soltani Echahid Cheikh Larbi Tebessi University
  • F. Tine-Djebbar Echahid Cheikh Larbi Tebessi University
  • S. Tine Echahid Cheikh Larbi Tebessi University
  • N. Soltani Badji Mokhtar University
Keywords: Schinus molle, chemical composition, stored product pests, insecticidal activity, repellent property.

Abstract

The present study determines the chemical profile of Schinus molle L. essential oil and its toxicity and repellent effect on Tribolium confusum , Rhyzopertha dominica and Sitophilus granarius adults. Ninety-seven compounds were identified and the most abundant were ß-eudesmol (5.872%), elemol (9.028%), α-phellandrene (12.104%) and ß-phellandrene (16.613%). The phytochemical analysis of Schinus molle showed the presence of quinones, flavonoids, leucoanthocyan in , steroids and sap o nins. The oil demonstrated an insecticidal activity against Tribolium confusum (LC 50 = 170.30 μL/L), Rhyzopert h a dominica (LC 50 = 174.30 μL/L) and Sitophilus granarius (LC 50 = 241.20 μL/L) at 12h after treatment. T. confusum is the most sensitive to the treatment followed by R. dominica and S. granarius . Contact is the most effective mode of application compared to fumig a tion. Moreover, this essential oil exhibited a repellent activity as a function of the exposure time and concentrations. A selection index (Si) of 0.26, 0.35 and 0.15 with 20 µL/mL concentration was registered, showing the highest repellent activity against T. confusum , R . dominica and S . granarius , respectively.

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Published
2025-07-31
Section
Articles