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Acaricidal activities of Santolina africana and Hertia cheirifolia essential oils against the two‐spotted spider mite ( Tetranychus urticae )
Author(s) -
Attia Sabrine,
Grissa Kaouthar L,
Mailleux Anne C,
Heuskin Stéphanie,
Lognay Georges,
Hance Thierry
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.3269
Subject(s) - tetranychus urticae , spider mite , acaricide , essential oil , fecundity , biology , toxicology , botany , mite , horticulture , population , demography , sociology
BACKGROUND: Many plant essential oils show a broad spectrum of activity against pests. This study investigated the effects of two essential oils on Tetranychus urticae , one of the most serious pests in the world. RESULTS: The chemical composition of the two oils was characterised by GC‐MS. The most abundant component in the Santolina africana (Jord. & Fourr) oil was terpinen‐4‐ol (54.96%), while thymol (61%) was prevalent in the Hertia cheirifolia (L.) oil. Mortality and fecundity were measured upon treatment with oil concentrations ranging from 0.07 to 6.75 mg L −1 with a Potter spray tower. Mite mortality increased with oil concentration, with LC 50 values of 2.35 mg L −1 for S. africana and 3.43 mg L −1 for H. cheirifolia respectively. For both oils, a reduction in fecundity was observed at concentrations of 0.07, 0.09 and 0.29 mg L −1 . Artificial blends of constituents of oils were also prepared and tested with individual constituents missing from the mixture. The results showed that the presence of all constituents was necessary to equal the toxicity of the two natural oils. CONCLUSION: S. africana and H. cheirifolia oils can provide valuable acaricide activity with significantly lower LC 50 values. Thus, these oils cause important mortality and reduce the number of eggs laid by females. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry