Essential oils and other control techniques against stored product insects

Wide range investigations of essential oils useful in the control of the
phytophagous insects have demonstrated an enormous progress in the field.
Their actions could be attributed to the interference with metabolic,
biochemical, physiological, and behavioral functions of insects. Earlier
evaluations have established their activity as ovicides, fumigants, and contact
toxicants. Some essential oils exhibit acute toxicity, whereas other are attractive
or repellents, antifeedants or affect on growth and development or
reproduction. In the last ten years, great advances have been made in
laboratory and field studies about use of the essential oils for the control of
many insect pests. Activity, mechanism of action and useful formulations are
discussed for the following insect orders: Diptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera,
Orthoptera, Isoptera, Hymenoptera and Homoptera. In particular, the
problems related to the volatility of the oils and their poor solubility in water
have discussed for an optimal application in field.