2-Methyl-5-(1-Methylethenyl)-2-Cyclohexenone Insecticidal effect on Tribolium Confusum

Abstract

The insect Tribolium confusum is considered one of the most important storage pests due to the significant reductions either in quantity or quality of cereal grains. Alternatives to chemical synthesis insecticides should be found due to their obvious disadvantages. Those alternatives should be specific to target plant enemies, with no risks to the ecosystem. Hence, the aim of this work was to study the insecticidal effect of a monoterpene, 2-methyl-5-(1-methylethenyl)-2-cyclohexenone, on Tribolium confusum. Acute essays were performed with the following monoterpene concentrations: pure 2-methyl-5-(1-methylethenyl)-2-cyclohexenone, 10, 1, 0.1 and 0.01%. To compare the monoterpene insecticidal activity, tests with a standard insecticide, pirimiphos-methyl, were also conducted. Mortality was observed at one, two, three, six, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 96 hours. The obtained results showed that 2-methyl-5-(1-methylethenyl)-2cyclohexenone behaviour was comparable to that of the pirimiphos-methyl. Therefore, further studies should be conducted to confirm the bioinsecticidal potencial of this monoterpene.