| Summary: | Abstract Background Essential oils, especially Ocimum basilicum and Eucalyptus globulus oils were among the most important oils that contain active ingredients which have fumigant repellent activity against insects in stores. The Surinam beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, was the store insects that attack dry dates in the store. The use of these oils in the control of this insect is safer for human and animal health. Results Essential oils of O. basilicum and E. globulus were tested for their volatile toxicity in the laboratory against sawtoothed beetle, O. surinamensis. The concentrations of 4.0, 8.0, 16.0, and 32.0 μl/l air were used in the volatile toxicity experimental. The results indicated that O. basilicum was highly toxic than E. globulus. The results indicated that increased concentration of different oils and exposure time leads to increase in the percentage of mortalities. Also, in storage experimental, the toxic activity for the tested oils was investigated. Ocimum basilicum protects dry dates in storage for 3 months from Surinam beetle infestation. Conclusion The storage experiment clearly confirmed that O. basilicum and E. globulus could be used in the protection of dry dates from infestation with O. surinamensis.
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