Valorisation of the repellent potential of two Tunisian Artemisia essential oils for the management of the sawtoothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Coleoptera: Silvanidae)

Abstract: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the repellent potential of two Tunisian Artemisia essential oils namely desert wormwood Artemisia herba-alba and wormwood Artemisia absinthium against adults of the sawtoothed grain beetle (Oryzaephilus surinamensis). Repellency was assessed using filter paper test method. Four doses were tested: 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 μl. These doses were calculated to give equivalent repellent concentrations of 0.09, 0.19, 0.29 and 0.39 μl/cm2. Repellency was recorded after 1, 3, 5 and 24 h of exposure.Results revealed that both essential oils showed repellent potential against adults of this pest. However, A. absinthium essential oil repellent potential was greater than A. herba-alba essential oil. In fact, at the lowest concentration 0.09 μl/cm2, the percentages of repellency were 75% and 60% respectively with A. absinthium and A. herba-alba after 5 h of exposure. Significant differences were observed between the two oils for all concentrations and exposure durations.Based on these results, wormwood and desert wormwood essential oils have potential for use as repellents against stored pests in an Integrated Pest Management program in stored commodities.