Chemical composition and insecticidal activity of Ocimum basilicum (Lamiaceae) essential oil and its major constituent, estragole against Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a serious widespread stored product pest of food grains. Exploration of
potential Ocimum chemotypes of Indian origin with unique chemical composition for control of stored grain insect pests
is limited. Forage for new alternate chemicals, for the control of stored grain insect pests, is an emerging area of research.
In the present study, we report on fumigant and contact toxicity of Ocimum basilicum (Lamiaceae), essential oil (EO)
against S. oryzae under without and with food conditions. GC analysis of O. basilicum, essential oil, showed the presence
of estragole (85.08%) and linalyl acetate (6.75%) as a major constituent. EO of O. basilicum showed insecticidal efcacy on
S. oryzae as a good fumigant and contact toxicity at 48 h of exposure in without food condition. Our results suggest that O.
basilicum chemotype with higher amount of estragole might be a promising toxicant for the control of stored grain insect
pest (S. oryzae).