Efficacy of Some Essential Oils against Caryedon serratus (Olivier) – A Storage Pest of Groundnut

A laboratory study evaluated the efficacy of essential oils, particularly camphor oil and peppermint oil, to control groundnut bruchid, Caryedon serratus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in stored peanuts. At a 3% concentration, these oils achieved impressive results, killing all adult bruchids within 24 hours and preventing adult emergence over 45 days. This suggests they have strong fumigant and ovicidal properties. While camphor oil @ 5 ml per Kg also showed some effectiveness, it has low potency compared to other treatments, resulting in only 75 per cent adult mortality and allowing some new adults to emerge. Additionally, the (T1) camphor oil @ 5 ml per Kg treatment led to minor damage to the peanut kernels, unlike the other treatments. This study emphasizes the potential of specific essential oils as natural and eco-friendly alternatives for controlling pests in stored peanuts, aligning well with sustainable agricultural practices.