Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Results of this project have been reported in scientific publications, at scientific meetings, at professional association meetings, at Alabama Cooperative Extension System meetings throughout Alabama, and through a variety of media outlets. The results of these studies have been statistically analyzed and have been disseminated in formal university level classes, workshops, and other meetings. These studies have been the basis for a master's degree student thesis. This student graduated, has published several scientific papers, and has successfully gained employment with the state of Alabama. PARTICIPANTS: PI: Arthur G. Appel, directed and designed most reserach projects. Technician: Marla J. Eva, collected and maintained insects, maintained laboratory, conducted experiments and entered data into statistical software programs Graduate Student: Alicia K. Phillips, MS student who received her degree in entomology working on the toxicity and repellent nature of essential oils against German cockroaches. Collaborating organizations include the College of Agriculture, Auburn University, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, and several chemical companies. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include students, homeowners, and professional pest managers. Efforts include classroom teaching, Extension workshops and other public meetings, and professional entomological and pest control meetings. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The results of project have provided both fundamental and applied knowledge to scientists and pest management professionals. The contact and fumigant toxicity of various essential oils have been determined against the German cockroach and red imported fire ant, two important pest insects in the southeastern U.S. The repellent nature of these oils has also been determined. New relationships between the physical and chemical properties of these oils and their residual and fumigant toxicity have been discovered. The change in knowledge from our research has resulted in changes in pesticide recommendations and recommendations for use of essential oils against insect pests.
Publications
- Phillips, A. K., A. G. Appel, and S. R. Sims. 2010. Topical toxicity of essential oils to the German cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 103: 448-459.
- Phillips, A. K., and A. G. Appel. 2010. Fumigant Toxicity of Essential Oils to the German Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 103: 781-790.
- Eva, M. J. and A. G. Appel. 2008. Bioassay for evaluating toxicity and repellency of essential oils to the red imported fire ant, p. 463. In W. H. Robinson and D. Bajomi (eds.) Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Urban Pests, Budapest, Hungary.
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Results of this project have been disseminated through presentations at professional and industry meetings as well as Cooperative Extension presentations. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Our data demonstrate that essential oil extracts of allspice, cinnamon, clove, ginger, and jasmine are toxic and repellent to red imported fire ants. Jasmine oil was the most toxic in continuous exposure and fumigation assays and also the most repellent, however it was not the most toxic in the topical application assay. Our results also point out the importance of bioassay methodology for determining toxicity and repellency. Several different methods should be used to measure toxicity (continuous exposure and topical application assays) as well as repellency (digging and avoidance assays) of essential oils to red imported fire ants. Jasmine extract and its essential oil components merit further investigation and development as fast acting natural insecticides for red imported fire ant management. Our studies are continuing with more plant extracts and with pure essential oil components. Our goal is to identify the most toxic and repellent constituents and to develop our own blend and formulations for safe, fast, and effective fire ant management.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The growing concern of consumers about the use of traditional insecticides has increased need for development of safe, effective, and natural insecticides and repellents. Essential oils have been used for centuries to kill and repel a variety of insect pests including cockroaches, flies, and mosquitoes. Recent laboratory and field experiments have shown that essential oils such as citrus and mint are toxic and repellent to ants, including the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta (Buren). However, there numerous studies with conflicting results. Much of the variation in efficacy results appears to be differences in bioassay methods. We examined several methods to determine the toxicity and repellency of essential oils. Toxicity studies included topical application, continuous exposure to a nonporous treated substrate, limited exposure to a treated substrate, and continuous exposure to treated sand. Repellency studies included a Petri dish avoidance assay, a digging assay, and a trail-crossing assay. Laboratory results were compared with the results of application of an essential oil to individual soil mound nests. Results from this study have been reported to other fire ant researchers through poster presentations at scientific meetings. PARTICIPANTS: Arthur G. Appel, project leader, Auburn University Marla J. Eva, laboratory technician, Auburn University TARGET AUDIENCES: Fire ant researchers, chemical company scientists, insecticide formulators, and hopmeowners with red imported fire ant infestations. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Topical application methods gave the most accurate and reproducible toxicity results, however, limited exposure methods were most consistent with field toxicity. Similarly, the substrate digging assay gave results most similar to those in field tests. Appropriate bioassay procedures are critical for evaluating the potential of essential oils for management of red imported fire ants.
Publications
- Eva, M. J. and A. G. Appel. 2008. Bioassay for evaluating toxicity and repellency of essential oils to the red imported fire ant, p. 463. In W. H. Robinson and D. Bajomi (eds.) Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Urban Pests, Budapest, Hungary.
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