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

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.

The aim of this study was to determine the anti-insect potential of P. eldarica leaf essential oil (PLE) against Blattella germanica, German cockroach.

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.

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.

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.