The insecticidal activity of essential oils from the aerial parts of Cistus albidus (L.) (Cistaceae) was evaluated against Callosobruchus maculatus (fab)(Coleoptera: Bruchidea), a pest that causes losses in fields and stocks of leguminous. The essential oils were analyzed by GC-MS.

The Chickpea seeds were infested with 5 pairs of the adult’s of C.maculatus, then mixed with the essential oils at the doses of 2µL, 5µL and 10µL/10g of seeds.

The results showed that the essential oils exhibited high toxicity against the adults comparing with the chemical insecticide employed in the experience (Decis, 25EC). Values of the lethal doses of the obtained essential oils were LD₅₀ = 5µL and LD₉₀ = 12µg/10g of seeds respectively, whereas those of the reference were LD₅₀ = 9µL and LD₉₀ = 33µg/10g of seeds. The presence of major components in the essential oils (sesquiterpenes: epi-α-bisabolol, β-bourbonene, ar-curcumene…) could explain the results.

With a view to developing a new approach to protect legumes against C.maculatus, the essential oils of C.albidus could be an alternative method to synthetic pesticides without risk for consumers and environment.