Composition, Insecticidal and Antifungal Activities of Tunisian Daucus setifolius Essential Oil

Purpose: The present study aims to investigate for the first time, the chemical composition and biological profile of the essential oil extracted from Daucus setifolius harvested in northwest of Tunisia. Method: The content of the essential oil obtained after hydrodistillation of the aerial parts, was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The anti-insect potency of D. setifolius essential oil was assessed against the most important and destructive insect pests of stored cereals in Tunisia namely Tribolium confusum and Sitophilus zeamais. Moreover, the oil was screened, using microdilution method, for its antifungal properties against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata yeasts and Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis dermatophytes. Results: The chromatographic analysis proved its richness in monoterpene hydrocarbons (46.4%). Thus, sabinene (33.1%) was identified as the predominant compound, followed by β-selinene (14.4%) and terpinen-4-ol (8.6%). Indeed, the repellency assay indicated that the volatile oil exhibited a higher repellency towards both adult species (> 70%) after 120 min of exposure. The results showed that dermatophyte strains are more sensitive to D. setifolius essential oil compared to Candida spp. Conclusion: The essential oil of D. setifolius aerial parts has potential for development of plant-derived insecticidal compounds and repellents for stored grains insects. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.