Evaluation of repellent effect of several non-host plant compounds on red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus under laboratory conditions

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Plant Protection, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) is the most destructive pest of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L., Arecaceae) worldwide. This study evaluated the behavioral responses of adult weevils to leaf extracts from three non‑host plants Rhazya stricta Decne. (Apocynaceae), Ferula assa‑foetida L. (Apiaceae), and Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae) and to three pure compounds: α‑pinene, eugenol, and thymol. Bioassays were performed in a two‑choice pitfall static olfactometer under two experimental designs: a no‑choice (compulsory) test, comparing an empty jar with a date palm core‑baited jar plus the tested substance, and a two‑choice (optional) test, comparing host‑baited jar with the same host‑baited jar plus the tested substance. In the no‑choice test, F. assa‑foetida extract and thymol produced the strongest deterrent (non‑preference) effects. In the two‑choice test, where odors competed against the host scent, F. assa‑foetida again demonstrated the strongest repellent effect, significantly decreasing the selection of the jar baited with the host. Interestingly, at lower dose, eugenol functioned as a synergist for host odor in females. Based on the combined results of both bioassays, F. assa‑foetida essential oil and thymol are identified as strong candidates for disrupting host‑finding behavior in this pest, and they are suggested for inclusion integrated pest management (IPM) programs.

Keywords

References

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Plant Pest Research
Volume 15, Issue 3
December 2025
Pages 31-44

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History

  • Receive Date: 31 July 2025
  • Revise Date: 30 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 04 November 2025

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