Exploitation of Apiaceae family essential oils as potent biopesticides and rich source of phellandrenes.

摘要

The chemical content and insecticidal activities of essential oils (EOs) derived from various Apiaceae (Umbeliferae) family taxa, including the most representative coastal (Malabaila aurea and Echinophora tenuifolia ssp. sibthorpiana), mountainous (Cachrys ferulacea and Chaerophyllum aromaticum) and cultivated (Anethum graveolens) specimens, were determined. The chemical analyses results herein showed that the EO of A. graveolens specimen contains a major component, particularly high amounts of alpha -phellandrene (59%) indicating that this widely cultivated plant may account as a novel-alternative industrial source for this molecule. The insecticide properties of the EOs studied - and their most abundant compounds - were evaluated against the Culex pipiens L. larvae of 3rd and early 4th instars. Results indicated that many of them display noteworthy toxicity, with the EO of A. graveolens being the most active, displaying an LC₅₀ value of 52.74 mg L-1. The EOs of E. tenuifolia ssp. sibthorpiana and C. aromaticum were also highly active exhibiting LC₅₀ values near 60 mg L-1. Among the tested oils, the EO of A. graveolens exhibits noteworthy potentials for use either as bioremediation cultivar in mosquito-thriving areas and/or the development of novel biocides for the control of mosquitoes.Digital Object Identifier http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2012.04.058