LAUSR

BACKGROUND Sitophilus zeamais is economically one of the most impactful pests, attacking various grains and processed foods. The control of this insect has been achieved using synthetic insecticides, whose exacerbated and careless use has led to the development of resistant insect populations, toxicity to non-target organisms, and environmental contamination. In this study, Piper corcovadensis leaf essential oil (PcLEO) and its major compound, 1-butyl-3,4-methylenedioxybenzene (BMDB), were investigated as alternative insecticidal agents against S. zeamais. RESULTS The characterization of the essential oil of PcLEO showed the presence of 40 compounds and the major components were the phenylpropanoid BMDB (35.77%) and the monoterpenes α-pinene (14.95%) and terpinolene (6.23%). PcLEO and BMDB were toxic by fumigation (LC50 : 9.46 and 0.85 μL/L of air, respectively), by contact (LD50 : 9.38 and 6.16 μg/g of insect, respectively) and ingestion (LC50 : 16.04 and 14.30 mg/g, respectively). In the ingestion test, both the oil and BMDB promoted the loss of biomass by insects and had a strong deterrent repercussion. In addition, both were able to inhibit trypsin and α-amylase activities. CONCLUSION PcLEO and BMDB exhibited insecticidal activity against S. zeamais, with a toxic effect by fumigation, contact and ingestion, in addition to food deterrence and inhibiting trypsin and α-amylase activities, suggesting its potential for use in the control of this pest. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.