Essential oil composition of Callistemon citrinus (Curtis) and its protective efficacy against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract

Tribolium castaneum is one of the major pests of stored grains which causes extensive damages. To control this insect pest many synthetic chemical pesticides are used. However, continuous usage of synthetic fumigants causes pest resurgence, toxic residues, genetic resistance in pests, environmental contamination and health hazards etc., To avert these problems, essential oils are used as bio-fumigants to control the stored pests. They could act as best alternatives to synthetic fumigant in closed environment. Hence, the present study aimed to evaluate the pesticidal activity of Callistemon citrinus oil against Tribolium castaneum. GC-MS analysis of C. citrinus essential oil (EO) showed 10 compounds; among them, the major constituent was eucalyptol (1, 8-cineole) at 40.44%. The lethal concentration (LC50) values were 37.05 μL/L (adults) and 144.31 μL/L (larvae) at 24 and 48 hrs respectively. Exposure to C. citrinus EO significantly reduced the beetle fecundity, ovicidal activity, egg hatchability, larvae survival and emergence of adult. The effect of EO on enzymatic activity of T. castaneum adults was examined using Acetylcholinesterase, α-Carboxylesterase, β-Carboxylesterase, Glutathione-S-Transferase, Acid and Alkaline phosphatase assays. The results indicated that the activity of detoxification enzymes drastically varied when compared with control. This EO had toxicant effects on all stages of the life of T. castaneum.

Toxicity and synergistic activity of compounds from essential oils and their effect on detoxification enzymes against Planococcus lilacinus

“…Generally, the botanicals exhibit potent insecticidal activities by directing the neuro-endocrine system and metabolism of the target insects reported earlier ( Parthiban et al., 2020 ; Ramachandran et al., 2022 ). Therefore, before exploratory findings, several studies have consequently documented the suggested alterations in various biochemical components of target insects exposed to various botanicals ( Shekari et al., 2008 ).…”

“…It is comparatively suggested that the binary mixtures of pure compounds rather than individual compounds can be helpful since they possess numerous mechanisms of action and may stall the emergence of resistance in pests. Generally, the botanicals exhibit potent insecticidal activities by directing the neuro-endocrine system and metabolism of the target insects reported earlier (Parthiban et al, 2020;Ramachandran et al, 2022). Therefore, before exploratory findings, several studies have consequently documented the suggested alterations in various biochemical components of target insects exposed to various botanicals (Shekari et al, 2008).…”

Toxicological Assessment of Neonicotinoid Acetamiprid Against the Confused Flour Beetle, Tribolium confusum Du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

“…When Zhang et al (2022) examined acetamiprid against Aphis glycines, they reported a highly toxic effect in the adult stage and a reduction in the fecundity of the survival beetles. Ramachandran et al (2022) discovered that treating Tribolium castaneum with essential oils of Callistemon citrinus resulted in reductions in fecundity.…”

Insecticidal activity of Melaleuca alternifolia (Myrtaceae) essential oil against Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and its inhibitory effects on insecticide resistance development

“…Carboxylesterase activity was determined using the method described by Ramachandran et al . (2022). Levels of acid phosphatases and alkaline phosphatases were determined by using Asakura’s (1978) method.…”

“…Acetylcholinesterase activity was determined using acetylthiocholine iodide as a substrate (Ellman et al 1961;Ikezawa and Taguchi 1981). Carboxylesterase activity was determined using the method described by Ramachandran et al (2022). Levels of acid phosphatases and alkaline phosphatases were determined by using Asakura's (1978) method.…”