A sustainable approach in the management of Callosobruchus maculatus: essential oil of Protium heptaphyllum and its major compound d-limonene as biopesticides

The present study aimed to investigate the bioactivity of the essential oils of Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) (Sapindales: Burseraceae) and its major compound d-limonene in the control of Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabr.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae). The compounds in the oil were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Contact toxicity, fumigation, and repellency tests were conducted. The lethal concentrations for the contact and fumigation tests were determined. In the repellency tests, the lethal concentrations previously determined in the contact test were used. The results showed that d-limonene was the major compound (40.1%) in the essential oil of P. heptaphyllum. d-limonene and P. heptaphyllum oil showed toxicity to C. maculatus in the contact and fumigation tests, and the oil showed higher toxicity (14.23 μL/20 g and 191.28 μL/L air), therefore being more toxic than d-limonene (36.42 μL/20 g and 437.34 μL/L air). The number of insects that emerged in the contact and repellency tests was reduced at all concentrations, which shows that the oil and d-limonene have an ovicidal effect. Repellent effects of P. heptaphyllum and d-limonene on C. maculatus were observed. The essential oil of P. heptaphyllum, which is more toxic than its major compound, has potential as an insecticide against C. maculatus.