A preliminary study on active essential oils formulations against Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Dip. Tephritidae)

The ingestion effects of some essential oils obtained from aromatic plants collected in Sardinia on fruit flies were studied. After ingestion adults Ceratitis capitata showed evident signs of loss of motor coordination. Macroscopic examination by dissecting of the insects, revealed marked alterations in the abdominal area. Formulations containing Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Thymus capitatus essential oils are more toxic at 0.5 to 1% concentrations (w/w). Also anethole shows interesting toxic effects, either systemic or on egg production.