Physiological and Toxicological Effects of Some Plant Oils on Tribolium Castaneum(Herbst)(Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

A. A. Darwish1, E.F. El-Khayat1, I. A. Gaaboub1 and S. E.El-Deeb1

Abstract

Six essential plantoils of Mustard (Brassica campestris L.), Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.), Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.),Orange (Citrus sinensis L.), and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) were evaluated in thelaboratory for their toxicities against adults of the rustred flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) at the LC50 after 7 days post-treatment at 30±1° C.Toxicitiesof plant oils could be arrangedin descending order as; Orange oil, Chamomile oil, Rosemary oil, Basil oil, Mustard oil and Anise oil was the least effective.The results of the effect of LC50 of Orange oil on bloodcellsof the larvae showed mildeffect which appeared on cell membrane and the presence of empty cells.TheLC50 of Orange oil on the total proteins, lipids and carbohydrates of the treated adults of T. castaneumshowed significant decrease, and non-significant effect on enzymes activies (GOT),(GPT)andAcetylcholinesterase. A Significant increase in activity of Alpha esterases, Beta esterases, Trehalaseand Amylase was recorded,whileasignificant decreasewas recorded in the activity of Invertase enzyme.

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