Efficacy evaluation of Mentha piperita essential oil against Rhyzopertha dominica and Sitophylus zeamais adults

Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a destructive pest of stored grains, especially maize. The insect is characterized by high biotic potential and ability to infest the standing crops also. Infestation causes massive reduction in weight of seeds as well as impairs their viability. Currently, the insect control management primarily depends on synthetic pesticides, but their use has to be limited due to the high risk of residues on food stuff and insect resistance development and to their negative impact on environment. Alternative and more sustainable control strategies are thus necessary. Plant essential oils are promising eco-friendly alternatives to harmful chemicals. The internal synergy among their complex constituents imparts insecticidal activity and delays resistance development. In light of the above, the present study investigates the effect of Mentha piperita essential oil on S. zeamais and its associated gut microbiome. To identify the microbiome of maize weevil, next-generation sequencing of fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and bacterial 16S rRNA gene was performed after seven days of incubation with or without M. piperita essential oil treatment. In addition to a direct adults toxicity, the essential oil may modify the bacterial community of the model pest. The research findings will provide a deep insight to the microbiome and favour the development of a novel pest management strategy