Total phenolic and flavonoid content in the essential oils of selected plants and its insecticide activity for sustainable control of red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus)


Citation

Tay, Karh Yan and Wahizatul Afzan Azmi, . and Faizatul Shimal Mehamod, . and Nor Omaima Harun, . and Azila Adnan, . and Hazlina Ahamad Zakeri, . (2024) Total phenolic and flavonoid content in the essential oils of selected plants and its insecticide activity for sustainable control of red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus). Journal of Sustainability Science and Management (Malaysia), 19 (11). pp. 39-54. ISSN 2672-7226

Abstract

Essential oils offer a promising alternative to chemical pesticides, which pose environmental and health risks. However, comprehensive field studies evaluating their long-term effectiveness and practical application in diverse agricultural settings are lacking. This study investigates the insecticidal efficacy of essential oils from four plants: Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass), Melaleuca cajuputi (gelam), Vitex rotundifolia (beach vitex), and Pandanus amaryllifolius (pandan) to control the red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, RPW). The oils were assessed for their antifeedant and repellent properties to contribute to sustainable pest management strategies. Gelam oil had the highest levels of phenolics and flavonoids while pandan oil had the lowest. Prickmark analysis revealed that lemongrass oil had the greatest deterrent effect against RPW feeding, followed by gelam and beach vitex, with pandan oil showing no antifeedant activity. A Y-tube olfactometer evaluated the repellent effectiveness of the oils. Lemongrass and beach vitex had slightly attractive characteristics while gelam and pandan oils effectively repelled RPWs. Male and female RPWs responded differently: Males were more attracted to lemongrass and beach vitex while females were more repulsed by gelam and pandan. These findings suggest that essential oils’ insecticidal properties could help develop gender-specific and sustainable agricultural pest management plans.


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Abstract

Essential oils offer a promising alternative to chemical pesticides, which pose environmental and health risks. However, comprehensive field studies evaluating their long-term effectiveness and practical application in diverse agricultural settings are lacking. This study investigates the insecticidal efficacy of essential oils from four plants: Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass), Melaleuca cajuputi (gelam), Vitex rotundifolia (beach vitex), and Pandanus amaryllifolius (pandan) to control the red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, RPW). The oils were assessed for their antifeedant and repellent properties to contribute to sustainable pest management strategies. Gelam oil had the highest levels of phenolics and flavonoids while pandan oil had the lowest. Prickmark analysis revealed that lemongrass oil had the greatest deterrent effect against RPW feeding, followed by gelam and beach vitex, with pandan oil showing no antifeedant activity. A Y-tube olfactometer evaluated the repellent effectiveness of the oils. Lemongrass and beach vitex had slightly attractive characteristics while gelam and pandan oils effectively repelled RPWs. Male and female RPWs responded differently: Males were more attracted to lemongrass and beach vitex while females were more repulsed by gelam and pandan. These findings suggest that essential oils’ insecticidal properties could help develop gender-specific and sustainable agricultural pest management plans.

Additional Metadata

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Item Type: Article
AGROVOC Term: essential oils
AGROVOC Term: phenolic compounds
AGROVOC Term: flavonoids
AGROVOC Term: pest control
AGROVOC Term: pest management
AGROVOC Term: Cymbopogon citratus
AGROVOC Term: antifeedants
AGROVOC Term: repellents
AGROVOC Term: sustainable agriculture
Geographical Term: Malaysia
Depositing User: Mr. Khoirul Asrimi Md Nor
Date Deposited: 15 Jul 2026 02:48
Last Modified: 16 Jul 2026 14:48
URI: http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/4813

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