Composition and biological activity of essential oils from Labiatae against Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), soybean pest

JORGE O. WERDIN GONZÁLEZ; MARÍA M. GUTIÉRREZ; ANA P MURRAY; ADRIANA A. FERRERO

PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE

JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD

Año: 2011 vol. 67 p. 948 - 955

1526-498X

BACKGROUND: Plant essential oils have been recognised as an important natural source of insecticide. This study analyzed the chemical constituents and bioactivity of essential oils that were isolated via hydrodistillation from Origanum vulgare L. (oregano) and Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme) against eggs, second instar and adults of Nezara viridula (L.). RESULTS: The major component of oregano was p-cymene, and, for thyme, thymol. The ovicidal activity was tested by topical application; the essential oil from thyme was more effective. The fumigant activity was evaluated in an enclosed chamber; the LC50 values for oregano were 26.8 and 285.6 μgmL−1 for nymphs and adults respectively; for thyme they were 8.9 μgmL−1 for nymphs and 219.2 μgmL−1 for adults. To evaluate contact activity, a glass vial bioassay was used; the LC50 values for oregano were 1.7 and 169.2 μg cm−2 for nymphs and adults respectively; for thyme they were 3.5 and 48.8 μg cm−2 respectively. The LT50 analyses for contact and fumigant bioassays indicated that thyme was more toxic for nymphs and adults than oregano. Both oils produced repellency on nymphs and adults. CONCLUSION: These results showed that the essential oils from O.vulgare andT. vulgaris could be applicable to the management of N. viridula