Skip to main navigation menu Skip to main content Skip to site footer
Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 12 No. sp1 (2025): Recent Advances in Agriculture by Young Minds - II

Essential oil of garlic, Allium sativum L.: A promising alternative for the management of Sitophilus oryzae (L.)

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.5834
Submitted
15 October 2024
Published
10-01-2025

Abstract

The study evaluates the effectiveness of garlic essential oil as a fumigant and contact toxicant against adult rice weevils (Sitophilus oryzae L.) (Curculionidae: Coleoptera). Garlic essential oil demonstrated significant fumigant toxicity, causing 56.67% adult mortality at a concentration of 3 µl/96 cm³ air on the first day, which increased to 99.13% by the fifth day after treatment (DAT). In addition, garlic essential oil exhibited contact toxicity, achieving up to 100% mortality at doses of 4 and 5 µl/40 g seeds. Even at lower concentrations (1 µl), mortality rates were as high as 78.33%. The calculated LC50 value was 2.58 µl/40 g of seeds. Garlic essential oil also had a considerable effect on reproduction, as no adults emergence was observed from seeds treated with 4 µl/40 g. GC-EAD analysis identified 39 compounds in garlic essential oil, with male and female S. oryzae exhibiting different antennal responses. Females displayed stronger reactions to alcohols and esters, while males were more responsive to alkenes and alkanes. The presence of chemical constituents in garlic essential oil that influence insect behaviour underscores its potential as a viable pest management solution against stored-product pests. Further exploration of these compounds for their insecticidal properties using GC-EAD studies and their development into the formulations could provide significant benefits to farmers and contribute to sustainable pest management practices.

References

  1. Rouanet G. Maize: The tropical agriculturist. CTA. Macmillan, London; 1992. p. 112
  2. Gustavsson J, Cederberg C, Sonesson U, van Otterdijk R, Meybeck A. Global food losses and food waste. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy; 2011. P. 37.
  3. Kim SI, Lee DW. Toxicity of basil and orange essential oils and their components against two coleopteran stored products insect pests. J Asia-Pac Entomol. 2014;17(1):13-17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aspen.2013.09.002
  4. Lale NES, Ofuya TI. Overview of pest problems and control in the tropical storage environment. In: Ofuya TI, Lale NES, editors. Pests of stored cereals and pulses in Nigeria. Biology Ecology and Control. Dave Collins Publications, Akure, Nigeria; 2001. p. 23
  5. Thangaraj SR, McCulloch GA, Subtharishi S, Chandel RK, Debnath S, Subramaniam C, et al. Genetic diversity and its geographic structure in Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera; Curculionidae) across India - implications for managing phosphine resistance. J Stored Prod Res. 2019;84:101512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jspr.2019.101512
  6. Alam MJ, Ahmed KS, Hossen B, Mozammel H, Hoque A. Storage pests of maize and their status in Bangladesh. J Biosci Agric Res. 2019;20(2):1724-30.
  7. Demissie G, Tefera T, Tadesse A. Importance of husk covering on field infestation of maize by Sitophilus zeamais Motsch (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) at Bako, Western Ethiopia. Afr J Biotechnol. 2008;7(20):3777-82.
  8. Soujanya PL, Sekhar J, Karjagi CG, Vidhyadhari V, Suby S, Sunil N, et al. Impact of harvesting time on field carryover infestation of Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in different maize genotypes. Phytoparasitica. 2017;45(4):485-99. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12600-017-0606-x
  9. Bryden WL. Mycotoxin contamination of the feed supply chain: implications for animal productivity and feed security. Anim Feed Sci Technol. 2012;173(1-2):134-58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2011.12.014
  10. Meyer-Baron M, Knapp G, Schaper M, van Thriel C. Meta-analysis on occupational exposure to pesticides - neurobehavioral impact and dose–response relationships. Environ Res. 2015;136:234-45. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2014.09.030
  11. Mishra A, Dubey N. Evaluation of some essential oils for their toxicity against fungi causing deterioration of stored food commodities. Appl Environ Microbiol. 1994;60(4):1101-05. https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.60.4.1101-1105.1994
  12. Nawrot J, Harmatha J. Natural products as antifeedants against stored products insects. Postharvest News Inf. 1994;5(2):17-21.
  13. Isman MB. Botanical insecticides, deterrents and repellents in modern agriculture and an increasingly regulated world. Annu Rev Entomol. 2006;51:45-66. http://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.ento.51.110104.151146
  14. Kumar A, Shukla R, Singh C, Prasad CS, Dubey NK. Assessment of Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil as a safe botanical preservative against postharvest fungal infestation of food commodities. Innov Food Sci Emerg Technol. 2008;9(4):575-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifset.2007.12.005
  15. Rajkumar V, Gunasekaran C, Christy IK, Dharmaraj J, Chinnaraj P, Paul CA. Toxicity, antifeedant and biochemical efficacy of Mentha piperita L. essential oil and their major constituents against stored grain pest. Pesticide Biochem Physiol. 2019;156:138-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pestbp.2019.02.016
  16. Nishimura H. Aroma constituents in plants and their repellean activities against mosquitoes. Aroma Res. 2001;2(3):257-64.
  17. Huang Y, Chen SX, Ho SH. Bioactivities of methyl allyl disulfide and diallyl trisulfide from essential oil of garlic to two species of storedproduct pests, Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). J Econ Entomol. 2000;93(2):537-43. http://doi.org/10.1603/0022-0493-93.2.537
  18. Enan EE. Molecular and pharmacological analysis of an octopamine receptor from american cockroach and fruit fly in response to plant essential oils. Arch Insect Biochem Physiol. 2005;59(3):161-71. https://doi.org/10.1002/arch.20076
  19. Bakkali F, Averbeck S, Averbeck D, Idaomar M. Biological effects of essential oils - a review. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008;46(2):446-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2007.09.106
  20. Zohry NM, Ali Sa, Ibrahim AA. Toxicity of ten native edible and essential plant oils against the granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Egypt Acad J Biol Sci F Toxicol and Pest Contr. 2020;12(2):219-27. https://doi.org/10.21608/eajbsf.2020.124238
  21. Ho SH, Koh L, Ma Y, Huang Y, Sim KY. The oil of garlic, Allium sativum L. (Amaryllidaceae) as a potential grain protectant against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. Post-harvest Biol Technol. 1996;9(1):41-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/0925-5214(96)00018-X
  22. Plata-Rueda A, Martínez LC, Santos MHD, Fernandes FL, Wilcken CF, Soares MA, et al. Insecticidal activity of garlic essential oil and their constituents against the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Sci Rep. 2017;7:46406. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep46406
  23. Chang Y, Lee SH, Na JH, Chang PS, Han J. Protection of grain products from Sitophilus oryzae (L.) contamination by anti-insect pest repellent sachet containing allyl mercaptan microcapsule. J Food Sci. 2017;82(11):2634-42. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.13931
  24. Yang FL, Liang GW, Xu YJ, Lu YY, Zeng L. Diatomaceous earth enhances the toxicity of garlic, Allium sativum, essential oil against stored-product pests. J Stored Prod Res. 2010;46(2):118-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jspr.2010.01.001
  25. Sakhawat S, Muhammad H, Meng-Ya W, Su-Su Z, Muhammad I, Gang W, et al. Down-regulation of chitin synthase A gene by diallyl trisulfide, an active substance from garlic essential oil, inhibits oviposition and alters the morphology of adult Sitotroga cerealella. J Pest Sci. 2020;93:1097-106. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-020-01226-6
  26. Hamada HM, Awad M, El-Hefny M, Moustafa MAM. Insecticidal activity of garlic (Allium sativum) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) oils on the cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Afr Ent. 2018;26(1):84-94. https://doi.org/10.4001/003.026.0084
  27. Zhao NN, Zhang H, Zhang XC, Luan XB, Zhou C, Liu QZ, et al. Evaluation of acute toxicity of essential oil of garlic (Allium sativum) and its selected major constituent compounds against overwintering Cacopsylla chinensis (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). J Econ Ent. 2013;106(3):1349-54. http://doi.org/10.1603/ec12191
  28. Elbehery HH, Ibrahim SS. Potential fumigant toxicity of essential oils against Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and its egg parasitoid Trichogramma evanescens (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). Sci Rep. 2024;14:6253. http://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-56611-3
  29. Devi SR, Thomas A, Rebijith K, Ramamurthy V. Biology, morphology and molecular characterization of Sitophilus oryzae and S. zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). J Stored Prod Res. 2017;73:13541. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jspr.2017.08.004
  30. Singh G, Chaudhary K, Rana R. Efficacy of plant derived essential oils against Sitophilus oryzae (L.) in stored wheat grains. J Plant Dev Sci. 2018;10(11):633-36.
  31. Gafar MK, Itodo AU, Warra AA, Abdullahi L. Extraction and physicochemical determination of garlic (Allium sativum L) oil. Int J Food Nutr Sci. 2012;1(2):04-07.
  32. Tapondjou A, Adler C, Fontem D, Bouda H, Reichmuth C. Bioactivities of cymol and essential oils of Cupressus sempervirens and Eucalyptus saligna against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky and Tribolium confusum duVal. J Stored Prod Res. 2005;41(1):91-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jspr.2004.01.004
  33. Abbott WS. A method of computing the effectiveness of an insecticide. J Econ Entomol. 1925;18(2):265-67. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jee/18.2.265a
  34. Fornal J, Jelinski T, Sadowska J, Grundas S, Nawrot J, Niewiada A, et al. Detection of granary weevil Sitophilus granarius (L.) eggs and internal stages in wheat grain using soft X-ray and image analysis. J Stored Prod Res. 2007;43(2):142-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jspr.2006.02.003
  35. Pascual-Villalobos MJ, Ballesta-Acosta MC. Chemical variation in an Ocimum basilicum germplasm collection and activity of the essential oils on Callosobruchus maculatus. Biochem Syst Ecol. 2003;31(7):673-79. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-1978(02)00183-7
  36. Liang J, Wang W, Zheng Y, Zhang D, Wang J, Guo S, et al. Bioactivities and chemical constituents of essential oil extracted from Artemisia anethoides against two stored product insects. J Oleo Sci. 2017;66(1);71-76. https://doi.org/10.5650/jos.ess16080
  37. Zimmermann RC, Aragao CEC, Araújo PJP, Benatto A, Chaaban A, Martins CE, et al. Insecticide activity and toxicity of essential oils against two stored-product insects. Crop Prot. 2021;144:105575. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2021.105575
  38. Lee B, Choi W, Lee S, Park B. Fumigant toxicity of essential oils and their constituent compounds towards the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.). Crop Prot. 2001;20(4):317-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-2194(00)00158-7
  39. Yang F, Zhu F, Lei C. Garlic essential oil and its major component as fumigants for controlling Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) in chambers filled with stored grain. J Pest Sci. 2010;83(3):311-17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-010-0300-y
  40. Ali S, Sagheer M, Hassan M, Abbas M, Hafeez F, Farooq M, et al. Insecticidal activity of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and garlic (Allium sativum) extracts against red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum: a safe alternative to insecticides in stored commodities. J Entomol Zool Stud. 2014;2(3):201-05.
  41. Mobki M, Safavi SA, Safaralizadeh MH, Panahi O. Toxicity and repellency of garlic (Allium sativum L.) extract grown in Iran against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) larvae and adults. Arch Phytopathol Plant Prot. 2014;47(1):59-68. https://doi.org/10.1080/03235408.2013.802896
  42. Iskiber AA. Fumigant toxicity of garlic essential oil in combination with carbon dioxide (CO2) against stored-product insects. JuliusKuhn Archiv. 2010;425:371-76. https://doi.org/10.5073/jka.2010.425.167.091
  43. Iskiber AA, Tunaz H, Er MK, Saglam O. Fumigant toxicity of garlic essential oil and their active components against life stages of confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val. In: Proceedings of the 7th International Scientific Agriculture Symposium; 2016 Oct 6-9; Jahorina. 2016. p.1283-89.
  44. Chaubey MK. Biological activities of Allium sativum essential oil against pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Herba Pol. 2014;60(2). DOI:10.2478/hepo-2014-0009
  45. Seada MA, Arab RA, Adel I, Seif AI. Bioactivity of essential oils of basil, fennel and geranium against Sitophilus oryzae and Callosobruchus maculatus: evaluation of repellency, progeny production and residual activity. Egypt J Exp Biol Zool. 2016;12(1):1-12.
  46. Ravi R, Zulkrnin NSH, Rozhan NN, Yusoff NRN, Rasat MSM, Ahmad MI, et al. Evaluation of two different solvents for Azolla pinnata extracts on chemical compositions and larvicidal activity against Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae). J Chem. 2018; https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/7453816.
  47. de Menezes CWG, Carvalho GA, Alves DS, de Carvalho AS, Aazza S, Ramos VO, et al. Biocontrol potential of methyl chavicol for managing Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), an important corn pest. Env Sci Pollu Res. 2020;27:5030-41. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-07079-6
  48. Ayalew AA. Insecticidal activity of Lantana camara extract oil on controlling maize grain weevils. Toxicol Res Appl. 2020;4:2397847320906491. https://doi.org/10.1177/2397847320906491
  49. Xin M, Guo S, Zhang W, Geng Z, Liang J, Du S, et al. Chemical constituents of supercritical extracts from Alpinia officinarum and the feeding deterrent activity against Tribolium castaneum. Molecules. 2017;22(4):647. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22040647
  50. Shawer R, El-Shazly MM, Khider AM, Kordy AM. Chemical composition of five botanical powders and their insecticidal activity against the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae on Wheat Crop. Egyptian Acad J Biol Sci G Microbiol. 2020;12(1):125-36. https://doi.org/10.21608/eajbsg.2020.233381
  51. Ibrahim SIA. Repellent and insecticidal activity of derived plant oils against some stored grain insects. J Plant Prot Pathol. 2011;2(10):893-903. https://doi.org/10.21608/jppp.2011.86621

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.