Biological properties of essential oils from Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Ocimum gratissimum against Sitophilus spp. isolated from stored traditional yams chips

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of essential oils from Ocimum gratissimum and Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves against Sitophilus spp., isolated from stored traditional yam ships. Results indicated a very pronounced insecticidal effect by contact for the two essential oils tested on adult of Sitophilus spp, at a concentration of 2.5 µl.g , with an exposure time of 24 hours. However, essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum appears to be more repellent (p˂5%) than those of Eucalyptus camaldulensis against the weevil. Based on the insecticidal and repellent effects of these essential oils, they could be incorporated in an integrated approach as alternative to synthetic pesticides, when used in reducing weevil infestation in traditional stored yam ships.