Insecticidal and Sublethal Effects of Artemisia scoparia Essential Oil on Liriomyza sativae
by
Sicheng Zuo
, 
Rui Zhang
,
Bin Yan
,
Yuze Zhang
,
Zheng Duan
,
Jingyi Sun
,
Haibin Yuan
* and
Xing Huang
* College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Insects 2026, 17(2), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17020170
Submission received: 7 January 2026
/
Revised: 1 February 2026
/
Accepted: 3 February 2026
/
Published: 4 February 2026
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Efficacy of Insecticides and Botanicals Against Pests—2nd Edition)
Simple Summary
Liriomyza sativae Blanchard (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is a major pest affecting horticultural and ornamental crops globally. Over-reliance on chemical insecticides has led to resistance and environmental concerns, highlighting the need for alternative control methods. This study explores the insecticidal potential of Artemisia scoparia essential oil, known for its potent insecticidal properties. GC-MS analysis identified the primary components of the oil, including agropyrene, o-cymene, and caryophyllene oxide. The essential oil demonstrated significant fumigant toxicity against L. sativae, with an LC50 value of 0.40 µL/L air after 8 h of exposure. Additionally, sublethal concentrations prolonged the developmental stages of the pest and reduced the longevity and reproductive rates of female adults. These results indicate that A. scoparia essential oil effectively inhibits the growth and development of L. sativae, making it a promising, eco-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides. This research provides a sustainable strategy for controlling this pest, contributing to safer and more environmentally friendly pest management practices in agriculture.
Abstract
Liriomyza sativae is a serious pest of horticultural and ornamental crops worldwide. The overuse of chemical insecticides has caused resistance and environmental pollution, demanding alternative control methods. Plant essential oils, with their insecticidal activity, serve as promising natural alternatives to synthetic insecticides. This study characterized the chemical composition of Artemisia scoparia essential oil using GC-MS and evaluated its insecticidal and growth inhibitory effects against L. sativae. The results showed that the major components were agropyrene (18.96%), o-cymene (12.60%), and caryophyllene oxide (11.35%). The essential oil of A. scoparia demonstrated significant fumigant toxicity against L. sativae adults, with an LC50 value of 0.40 µL/L air after 8 h of exposure. Sublethal concentrations (LC10 and LC20) prolonged the pre-adult developmental stages and reduced the longevity of female adults. The oviposition period and fecundity were significantly reduced compared to the control group. Additionally, reproductive parameters, including the net reproductive rate (R0), gross reproduction rate (GRR), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and finite rate of increase (λ), were significantly lower than the control group. The results indicate that A. scoparia essential oil has potent fumigant and growth-inhibitory effects on L. sativae, offering a promising and sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides for pest control in agriculture.
