Toxicidade de óleos essenciais e compostos majoritários de Mentha spp. para larvas de Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) e sua interação com o fungo entomopatogênico Beauveria bassiana

Abstract

Poultry farming is of great importance to Brazil, enabling economic growth and food production. However, some factors make this production difficult, such as insect pests. In this context, the lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) However, some factors make this production difficult, such as insect pests. In this context, the avian beetle. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of essential oils (EOs) from Mentha arvensis L., Mentha spicata L. e Mentha piperita L. and its major compounds for A. diaperinus. In addition, the interaction of these EOs with the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana was studied. All OEs tested were toxic to A. diaperinus in topical application and ingestion tests. The EOs from M. arvensis and M. piperita had menthol as the majority compound, while for the EO of M. spicata a carvona was found in greater quantity. Carvone isomers were more toxic in a topical application assay, while D-menthol was more toxic in an ingestion assay. It is noteworthy that the EOs of M. arvensis, M. piperita and M. spicata had their toxicity indices determined and were considered compatible for B. bassiana. Thus, the EOs of M. arvensis, M. piperita and M. spicata have been shown to be toxic to A. diaperinus and are compatible for the fungus B. bassiana, presenting promising to be used in new studies aiming the use in field conditions.