Insecticidal potential of essential oil and its major constituent 1,8-cineole against Zeller and Zeller (Pyralidae).

The aim of this study was to investigate the insecticidal properties of essential oil derived from leaves and its main component, 1,8-cineole, against two significant pests of stored dates, and (Pyralidae). The impact of the treatment on the sensory characteristics of date fruits was assessed to verify the complete absence of off-odours and off-flavours. Gas chromatography - mass spectrometry analysis of essential oil revealed that the primary compound was 1,8-cineole (74.5%). Fumigant toxicity of the two pests, indicated that first instar larvae (L1) exhibited greater tolerance to EO and 1,8-cineole than L5, while adult forms were more susceptible than larvae. The EO had a noticeable pest contact activity when used at a concentration of 0.35 µL/cm caused 100 and 88.3% mortality to and , respectively, after 1 hour of exposure. Hedonic evaluation showed that consumers' appreciation of fumigated dates was not significantly different to the no treated dates.