Characterization by GC/MS-FID and GC/MS-HS-SPME and insecticidal activity against Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius, 1775) of essential oils and powder of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich from Senegal

Today the use of plant extracts, in particular essential oils, is a natural alternative to synthetic insecticides in the fight against crop pests. In this study, the insecticidal activity of essential oils and powder of Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae) were tested by both fumigation and contact against Callosobruchus maculatus. The essential oil of X. aethiopica, obtained by steam distillation and the powder, with a particle size of 1 mm, were used for the tests. The analysis of essential oils and powder of X. aethiopica by GC-MS/FID and GC/MS-HS-SPME, showed that the main compounds were β-pinene (28.9–19.0%), 1,8-cineole (14.9–7.6%) and α-pinene (9.8–19.4%). Insecticidal activity of essential oils and powder of X. aethiopica, respectively, by fumigation (F) and contact (C) against C. maculatus showed toxicity LD50 = 0.2 ± 0.0 μl.cm–3, LT50 = 16.4 ± 1.2 hours (F) and LD50 = 9.2 ± 0.7 g.kg–1, LT50 = 69.6 ± 0.4 hours (C). The essential oil and powder of X. aethiopica can be considered as bio-insecticides against C. maculatus for the protection of cowpeas in Senegal.