Using natural plant extracts in packaging as insect repellents

摘要

Five commercial plant extracts, applied as part of a coating on cartonboard, were compared for use to develop insect repellent packaging. The results indicated that citronella was effective in deterring the infestation of cartons containing muesli and wheat germ by red flour beetles. In an experimental design that accelerated infestation over a 2-week period and tested for preference among treated cartons, citronella-treated cartons reduced beetle infestation to 30-50% of the level observed in control cartons. Compared to other doses the application level of 0.2 g/m~2 was more consistent in yielding statistically significant results, and the effects appeared to persist for over 10 weeks.