Chemical composition, toxicity and antifeedant activities of the Tunisian Echiochilon fruticosum Desf. aerial part volatile fractions against Tribolium confusum du Val

Three volatile fractions (E-1, E-2, and E-3) derived from the volatile extract of the aerial portion of Echiochilon fruticosum Desf. growing in Tunisia were analysed by GC and GC-MS. Fourty-nine different volatile compounds belonging to various families were identified in the previously indicated fractions. The main compounds were octadeca-9,12-dienoic acid (29.52, 32.24 %; in E-2, and E-3 respectively), carvacrol (17.52 %; in E-1), beta-cayophyllene (12.57 %; in E-2) and abietatriene (17.2 %; in E-1). Growth inhibition, antifeedant and toxicity effects of the crude volatile extract and its three fractions were examined against adults and larvae of Tribolium confusum du Val. The crude volatile extract and all fractions show significant inhibition of larval growth and antifeedant activity against adults of Tribolium confusum. However, fraction E, seemed to be attractive to the larvae. The mortality of larvae kept on E, volatile extract fraction reached 100% by the 12(th) day of treatment.