Entomocidal Activity of Cinnamomum tamala Leaf and Bark Essential Oils Against Sitotroga cerealella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Infesting Stored Products
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The lepidopteran pest Sitotroga cerealella is one of the most destructive pests of stored cereal grains, particularly maize. Infestations of this pest can cause large quantitative and qualitative losses by lowering grain weight, harming seeds, and lowering germination potential. Aim: This study evaluated the efficacy of Cinnamomum tamala against S. cerealella under laboratory conditions. Methods and Materials: The essential oil of C. tamala leaf and bark was extracted by hydrodistillation and investigated for its potential as an insecticidal agent against S. cerealella. These two essential oils cause lethality in larvae at 49.33 μL/L and 41.69 μL/L and in adults at 55.54 μL/L and 64.38 μL/L in fumigant toxicity assays after 48-h exposure. These two essential oils reduce oviposition potential in insects and interfere with the metamorphic transformation of larva to pupa and pupa to adult, besides inhibiting the hatching of eggs when fumigated by C. tamala leaf and bark essential oils. Results: Both botanical pesticides in the form of essential oil showed the most rapid and effective control of lepidopteran pests S. cerealella; therefore, it is suggested that they be used in pest management techniques during storage of stored products. This research underscores the efficacy of plant extracts as an eco-friendly pest management solution. Major Findings: Sitotroga cerealella is one of the most destructive primary pests of maize and other cereals during storage. The findings provide a strong scientific basis for developing plant-derived essential oils for stored-grain protection. This contribution is particularly important for regions with high maize production and limited access to safe grain-protection technologies.
Source: Toxicology International
Institution: Bhupendra Narayan Mandal University
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7148690262