Insecticidal and repellent activities of Citrus reticulata, Citrus limon andCitrus aurantium essential oils on Callosobruchus maculatus (F.)(Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Abstract: In this research, fumigant toxicity of Citrus reticulata Blanco (Rutaceae), Citrus limonL. (Rutaceae) and Citrus aurantium L. (Rutaceae) peel essential oils was examined on adults ofCallosobruchus maculatus (F.) at 27±1°C and 65±5% RH in darkness. The oils were extractedfrom the fruit peels using water steam distillation. A Y-tube olfactometer was used to examinethe repellency of the essential oil. Adults (1-7 days old) of cowpea beetles were introducedindividually into the introduction chambers. The LC50 values (%95 fiducial limits) forC. reticulata, C. limon and C. aurantium were estimated to be 8.70 (8.30-9.15), 7.21 (6.79-7.71)and 6.33 (5.88-6.88) μl/l air, respectively. LC50 values indicated that C. maculatus wassignificantly less sensitive to C. reticulata. Also C. reticulata was significantly more repellent toC. maculatus. The findings showed the strong insecticidal and repellent activity of Citrus peelessential oils and their potential role as fumigants for stored product insects.