Gamma Radiation and Rosmarinus officinalis oil combinations for control of Tribolium castaneum

The integration of gamma radiation and Rosmarinus officinalis (L.) as a safe chemical insecticide was evaluated for the control of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) as a main storedproduct pest. In this study we crossed sub lethal dose of gamma radiation with R. officinalis to explicitly examine the potential interactions between them on T castaneum. Doses of gamma radiation and R. officinalis administrated to 1-3 days old adults reduced the survival rate of adults by different level. LDso values of irradiation and R. officinalis was estimated as 1500 Gy and 6.84 ~tLIL air respectively. Also combination of irradiation (1500 Gy) and essential oil (6.84 ~L/L air) together produced a synergistic effect and reduced T castaneum densities from 50% (in each treatment alone) to 90%. The results indicate that survival of adults after irradiation was decreased with increasing dose of R. officinalis. The possible use and feasible approaches of integrating irradiation and R. officinalis treatment are discussed for management of the stored-product pest, T. castaneum.