Effect of Citrus aurantium L. oil peel against Tribolium castanium on wheat (Triticum aestivum) under storage previously treated by mycorrhizal and potassium humate under field conditions

Abstract Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and humic substances were used to promote plant growth and boost yields in two wheat cultivars, Misr-1 and Gemmiza-11. After harvest, the grain of the two wheat varieties were treated with Citrus aurantium essential oil peel at concentrations of 500, 750, 1250, 2500, and 5000 mg/L. The LC 50 for Tribolium castaneum , progeny emergence, and adult reduction percentage were determined, along with their impact on carbohydrate and protein content after one year of storage. Data from the present study showed that the application of mycorrhizal infection (250 spores/ seed) and potassium humate (6 kg fad-1) positively correlated with Citrus aurantium oil peel concentration. The essential oils were subjected to Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results indicated that the main compound was limonene, 85.47%. The treatment of the two wheat cultivars ( Misr-1 and Gemmiza-11) resulted in increased mortality percentage, reduced progeny emergence, and a reduction in adult numbers. Additionally, there was an increase in both carbohydrate and protein content in the wheat grains.