Major compounds and insecticidal activities of two Tunisian Artemisia essential oils toward two major coleopteran pests

The aim of this research was to investigate the chemical composition and evaluate the insecticidal activities of Artemisia herba-alba and Artemisia absinthium areal parts essential oil from Tunisia. Fumigant and contact toxicities were assessed toward two major stored product beetles: Orysaephilus surinamensis and Tribolium castaneum. The chemical composition of the two oils was characterized by qualitative and quantitative differences. The major common compounds were camphor, 1,8 cineole, camphene, and borneol, whereas beta-thujone was the characteristic component of A. absinthium oil. Results indicated that both oils exhibited fumigant and contact toxicity potential. The fumigant bioessays showed A. herba-alba essential oil to be more toxic and O. surinamensis to be more susceptible. The corresponding LC50 and LC95 values were respectively 30.22 and 132.11 μL/L air. The contact bioessays using topical applications revealed that A. absinthium essential oil was more efficient and again the saw-toothed grain beetle to be more sensitive. The corresponding LD50 and LD95 values were 0.209 and 1.963 μL. Our work indicates concern in the use of Artemisia essential oils from Tunisia, both as fumigant and contact bioinsecticides against stored product pests of economic importance.