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Ethanol solutions of essential oils obtained from Athmanta haynaldii and Myristica fragrans were tested for their toxicity and antifeedant activity against the second instar gypsy moth larvae in the laboratory bioassay. Both isolated oils were subjected to gas chromatography analysis in order to determine their chemical constitutions. Tested oils showed low to moderate larvicidal effect in both residual toxicity test and in chronic larval mortality bioassay. However, antifeedant index achieved by application of tested solutions in feeding choice assay was significantly higher in comparison to control, and almost same as one provided with botanical standard. Low toxic and high antifeedant properties (AF index 85–90%) make these essential oils suitable for integrated pest management programs. Special attention should be paid to further investigation of endemic and rare A. haynalidii in the terms its cultivation and usage of its unique set of biologically active compounds.

Studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of the ethanol extracts from five aromatic medicinal plants against the bean weevil, Acanthoscelides obtectus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The extracts were tested for potential to protect stored legume seeds in terms of their repellency, toxicity and reduction of F1 progeny. Significant insecticidal activity was exhibited only by the 100% concentrated extracts from Urtica dioica L. and Taraxacum officinale L., whereas both 100 and 30% extracts from these plants were effective in repellency and reduction of F1 progeny. Although the extract form Achillea millefolium L. (100%) was ineffective in insecticidal activity, it provided a good level of repellency and reduction of F1 progeny. Extracts from Sambucus nigra L. and Juglans regia L. were ineffective in all conducted bioassays. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. null