Impact des huiles essentielles sur le contrôle des insectes nuisibles

Abstract

The aim of this study is to implement a natural and effective method for controlling insect pests, while preserving human health and the environment. To this end, we used the essential oils of Mentha pulegium and Marrubium vulgare as repellents against the stored food insects Tribolium castaneum and Callosobruchus maculatus. The repellent activities were carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization WHO. According to the results obtained, Mentha pulegium essential oil showed significant repellent activity against Callosobruchus maculatus and Tribolium castaneum. The repellent doses (DR) recorded were DR₅₀ = 2.32 μL/cm² and DR₉₅ = 6.78 μL/cm² respectively for C. maculatus, and DR₅₀ = 3.74 μL/cm² and DR₉₅ = 8.81 μL/cm² for T. castaneum. With regard to Marrubium vulgare essential oil, the results revealed less marked repellent activity against Callosobruchus maculatus and Tribolium castaneum. The repellent doses recorded were DR₅₀ = 3.51 μL/cm² and DR₉₅ = 8.20 μL/cm² respectively for C. maculatus, and DR₅₀ = 3.26 μL/cm² and DR₉₅ = 7.43 μL/cm² for T. castaneum. The results obtained indicate that the essential oil of these plants is effective against insect pests and could be a promising alternative to chemical pesticides.