Insecticidal efficacy and chemical composition of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile seed oils against Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Botanical pesticides are a new trend for pest management because they an environmentally safe alternative synthetic chemicals. The aim of this study was to investigate the insecticidal activity desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca %#91;L.%#93; Delile) seed oils against red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum Herbst) and determine oil chemical compounds by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Oils were extracted chloroform, hexane, ethanol, tested on film residue method at doses 1.131, 0.566, 0.283, 0.142 mg cm-2 after 12, 24, 36, 48 h. Results showed that chloroform achieved 100% mortality rate 1.131 0.566 12 36 h exposure, respectively. Meanwhile, hexane extract caused similar effect 24 same doses, scored lowest median lethal dose (LD50, 0.134 cm-2) exposure. This finding indicated most toxic T. compared with other extracts. results analysis revealed (9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienoic acid, hexadecanoic (Z)-octadec-9-enoic (E)-octadec-6- enoic acid main components, but concentration differed from one another. These suggest extracts have potent could be used in grain storage control pests.