Purpose: To investigate the chemical
composition and insecticidal activity of the essential
oil of the aerial parts of Artemisia frigida against
maize weevils (Sitophilus zeamais) and booklice (Liposcelis
bostrychophila)．
Methods: Steam distillation of A.
frigida aerial parts was carried out in a Clavenger
apparatus to extract its volatile oil content. Gas
chromatography/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analyses
(HP-5MS column) of the essential oil were performed and
its contact toxicity was determined using topical
application and filter paper impregnation technique
while its fumigant toxicity was evaluated using
sealed-space method.
Results: A total of 32 components of
the essential oil were identified. The principal
compounds were cis-ρ-menth-2-en-1-ol (20.8%),
1,8-cineole (12.0%), borneol (10.2%), lavandulol (9.3%),
camphor (6.9%), and bicyclogermacrene (5.5%). The oil
exhibited contact toxicity against adult S. zeamais and
L. bostrychophila with LC50 value of 17.97
µg/adult and 254.38 µg/cm2, respectively. The
essential oils also possessed fumigant toxicity against
S. zeamais and L. bostrychophila with LC50
value of 69.46 mg/L and 1.25 mg/L air.
Conclusion: The study indicates that
the essential oil of A. frigida has a potential to be
developed to a natural fumigant/insecticide for the
control of grain storage insects.
Keywords: Artemisia
frigida, Sitophilus zeamais, Liposcelis bostrychophila,
Insecticidal activity, Essential oil,
Cis-ρ-Menth-2-en-1-ol; 1,8-Cineole
