Differential fumigant and contact biotoxicities of biorational essential oil of Indian sweet basil and its active constituent against pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis

摘要: Pulses are important source of nutrition. Safe and effective storage of pulses till consumption is a challenging task. Spoilage of pulses by invertebrate pests occurs at both pre and post-harvest conditions. Plant based food protectants is an emerging area of grain protection. This study assessed the differential biotoxicities of Indian sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum essential oil) and its major chemical constituent estragole against the pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis. GC-MS analysis of O. basilicum essential oil (EO) showed estragole (69.77%) and linalool (18.29%) as the main chemical constituent. O. basilicum EO and estragole exhibited a strong fumigant and contact toxicity giving 100% mortality against C. chinensis within an exposure period of 24 h in both without and with food conditions. LC50 of O. basilicum EO and estragole in presence of grain, were 83.33 μL/L air and 185.66 μL/L air and the LD50 …