Insecticidal Properties of d-Limonene

Abstract

d-Limonene (p-mentha-1, 8-diene) is a monocyclic monoterpenoid found in citrus oils. The spectrum of insecticidal activity of d-limonene was examined by using the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), house fly, Musca domestica L., rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.), and western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LECONTE. Bioassays were performed to determine topical, fumigant, oral, repellent, residual, ovicidal, and larvicidal activities. The material was slightly toxic topically to German cockroaches and house flies and was synergized with piperonyl butoxide. High concentrations of vapors caused mortality in German cockroaches and rice weevils. Oral administration did not result in mortality to either adult or nymphal cockroaches but accelerated growth in nymphs. Repellent activity against German cockroaches was noted at high concentrations. No residual activity was observed on any of four surface types exposed to adult German cockroaches. d-Limonene inhibited western corn rootworm egg hatch at high concentrations and showed moderate toxicity in soil against third-instar western corn rootworm larvae. These findings indicate that the insecticidal properties of d-limonene are limited.