Behavioral response of the cigarette beetles to plant essential oils: comparison between 2 bioassay methods

The cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricious) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), is a serious insect pest species in tobacco storage. In this paper, we initially tested the behavioral responses of cigarette beetle adults to 32 plant essential oils in a dual-choice bioassay. Then we selected twelve essential oils showing significant behavioral activity on the cigarette beetle adults and validated their activity on a second bioassay apparatus using a locomotion compensator. Among the essential oils tested, 8 exhibited a significant attractive effect (Litsea cubeba; Nardostachys jatamansi; Cymbopogon citratus; Capsicum annuum; Morus alba; Citrus limon; Matricaria chamomilla; Coffea arabica), while 4 essential oils exhibited significant repellent effect (Syringa oblate; Perillae folium; Carthamus tinctorius; Valeriana officinalis). The result of locomotion compensator bioassay was fully consistent with those of the dual-choice bioassay. Principle component analysis of the walking parameters recorded by locomotion compensator shows that the 7 parameters could be integrated as "activity factor" and "attractivity factor."