Efficacy of different essential oils against the two spotted spider mites Tetranychus utricae (Acari: Tetraychidae) under laboratory conditions
Abstract
A. Zeshan*, Ľ. Cagáň, A. Abbas, M.A.S. Eisa and A. Jabran
The risks posed by the application of synthetic insecticides against insects have led to significant environmental issues. Pest control strategies are being sought by the world to find alternative solutions. Various technologies, including microbial and botanicals, are included in the portfolio of bio-pesticide alternatives. Essential Oils (EOs) are significant category of botanicals that have gained significance due to their environmental safety. Insect pest and plant pathogenic fungi can be treated with essential oils, which possess a wide range of abilities such as insecticidal/antique-neutral, anti-fencing (anti-inflammatory), repellent/repellent, growth regulatory and anti–vector activities. Aromatic plants have given rise to their descendants through the development of diverse chemical defenses against insects during evolution. One of the most notorious and destructive arthropod pests, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetraychidae), is responsible for infesting more than 1000 plant species, including many economically important crops and ornamental plants. An investigation was carried out to determine the effectiveness of various essential oils against Tetranychus Utricae. The results indicated that the essential oils of lavender (Lavendula officianlis) had a 95% maximum toxicity against Tetranychus urticae. Citronella Java (Cymbopogan winterianus) essential oil showed a 90% toxicity level after the exposure. Two spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) were found to be more susceptible to clove leaf (Syzygium Aromaticum) than Cardamom (Elettaria cardamum) essential oils. The conclusion was reached that essential oils had varying levels of toxicity to Tetranychus urticae.