Insecticidal Effect of Some Essential Oils on Larval Survival of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Laboratory Conditions

The Mediterranean fruit fly, medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a serious pest of many fruits and vegetables. This study was conducted to determine the antifeeding and insecticidal activities of some essential oils extracted from Pelargonium graveolens (Geraniaceae), geranium, and Lavandula intermedia Mill. (Lamiaceae), lavender, Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae) black cumin, and Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae), laurel, against second instars of the Medfly on an artificial diet. The essential oils were obtained by Clevenger-type water distillation and a laboratory-reared medfly colony was used in the study. The doses of each tested essential oil were determined by multiplying their specific gravities by applying amounts into the diet and then distributing oil over the diet in a Petri dish having 20 larvae. All experiments were performed under laboratory conditions of 23 +/- 1 degrees C, 50% RH, and 16: 8 (L:D) photoperiods. Probit MsChart was used to estimate the LC50 50 and LC90 90 values of the tested essential oils. GGE Biplot analyses were created with the larval mortality based on the different essential oil doses. As a result, the highest larval mortality was determined with the addition of laurel and black cumin oils into the diet. The highest mortality was detected in black cumin oil at the lowest concentrations. Based on GGE Biplot analyses, the essential oil of black cumin had larvicidal properties. The results provided fundamental information about the insecticidal and antifeeding properties of the medfly in the laboratory. Further studies are needed to integrate sustainable management programs with natural insecticides against the medfly larvae.