Repellent effect of essential oils on the mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/qwj4k754Keywords:
IPM of mites, spider mites, secondary metabolites, plant protectionAbstract
Introduction. Various plant extracts are used in agriculture to reduce the impact on arthropod pests. However, there are few works that indicate the toxic or repellent action of essential oils of cinnamon, citronella and ginger on populations of phytophagous mites such as Tetranychus urticae. Objective. To evaluate the repellent effect of commercial grade essential oils of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) and ginger (Zingiber officinale), on a population of the mite Tetranychus urticae on sweet chili plants (Capsicum annuum) under in vitro conditions. Materials and methods. The research was conducted in the Acarology Laboratory at the Crop Protection Research Center, School of Agronomy, University of Costa Rica, located in San Pedro de Montes de Oca, Costa Rica, between October and November 2023. Four different concentrations (1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) of each essential oil (cinnamon, citronella, and ginger) were tested at a volume of 333 µL per leaf. The repellent activity was quantified through a restricted choice test using paper bridges. Evaluations were conducted 24 and 48 hours after application. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design, and data analysis was performed using a Generalized Linear Model. Results. The three oils and their respective concentrations showed repellent action greater than 60% except for citronella oil at 2%. A high concentration did not always show the greatest repellency against mites, although this changed according to the essential oil used. Conclusion. This research showed that cinnamon, citronella and ginger oils have repellent properties against Tetranychus urticae, and demonstrates its potential as an alternative for the management of this pest.
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