Efficacy of essential oils to control the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Essential oils (EOs) have been recognized as an important source of biopesticides. This work investigated the chemical constituents and bioactivity of six essential oils namely lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), geranium (Geranium maculatum L.), palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) Wats), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.) and bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso) against adults of the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella, a cosmopolitan pest that infests a wide range of stored products. Analysis by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS) revealed the presence of several compounds, mainly mono- and sesquiterpenes. The contact toxicity assay showed that the EO from palmarosa was the most toxic with a LD50 value of 22.8μgcm−2. The toxicity order was palmarosa>geranium>peppermint>lavender>bergamot>eucalyptus. In fumigant toxicity assay, the greatest effect was found with the EO from eucalyptus with a KT50 value of 8.34min. The toxicity order was eucalyptus>peppermint>geranium=lavender>bergamot>palmarosa. The EO from palmarosa showed the highest residual activity when the insects were exposure to its volatiles constituents. Finally, all EOs produce sublethal activity promoting effects in the fecundity. In conclusion, the EOs could be used as potential biopesticides for P. interpunctella control. [Display omitted] •Six essential oils (EOs) showed high potency against P. interpunctella.•EOs are composed mainly by mono- and sesquiterpenes.•EO from palmarosa showed the highest contact and residual effects.•EO from eucalyptus showed the highest fumigant activity.•All EOs, except eucalyptus, produce sublethal effects reducing the fecundity.