Toxicity and Neurotoxic Effects of Monoterpenoids: In Insects and Earthworms

The insecticidal activity of several monoterpenoids from essential oils was evaluated against insect pests. Toxicity tests illustrated the bioactivity of d-limonene, α-terpineol, β-myrcene, linalool, and pulegone against insects, including the house fly, the German cockroach, the rice weevil, and the western corn rootworm. Bioassays were conducted to assess their toxicity via topical application, fumigation, ingestion, and ovicidal exposures. Growth, reproduction and repellency were also evaluated in the German cockroach. Non-invasive electrophysiological recordings were used with an earthworm to investigate neurotoxic effects of the monoterpenoids. Relevant monoterpenoid bioassay results in the literature are also discussed