Anti-insect Potential of Pinus eldarica Leaf Essential Oil Against Blattella germanica: German Cockroach

Abstract

Background: Pinus eldarica contains various components such as phenolic and terpene materials. Previous reports showed these two components had anti-insect properties. Pest control, especially for different species of cockroaches, is important because of transmission of various diseases. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the anti-insect potential of P. eldarica leaf essential oil (PLE) against Blattella germanica, German cockroach. Methods: The anti-insect activity of different doses (50, 150, and 300 μg/mL) of PLE of two areas of clean air (CA) zones and polluted air (PA) zones was evaluated by contact toxicity, fumigant toxicity, and repellence tests. Results: The results of contact test showed that the percentages of mortality rates were increased significantly in a dose- and time-dependent manner in both contact and fumigation methods as well as repellency percentage. Also, the results related to PA zones were more significant than CA zones. Conclusions: This study showed that essential leaf oil of P. eldarica induced mortality and repellency in German cockroach, and it can probably be used as a good candidate for pest control, in particular cockroaches.