Abstract:
To introduce ecologically safe acaricide, effects o
f essential oils derived from
Cuminum
cyminum
(Cumin),
Syzygium aromaticum
(Clove), and
Mentha spicata
(Spearmint) were
determined on
Tetranychus urticae
at 25±1
◦
C, 65±5%
RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D)
hour. The essential oils extracted by hydro-distill
ation were characterized by means of
GC and GC–MS. Bioassays were performed by filter pa
per diffusion without allowing
direct contact. Cumin, clove, and spearmint oils co
ntained
α
- Pinene (29.1%
), eugenol
(78.5%
) and carvone (59.4%
), respectively, as the major compounds. The lowest
LC
50
value for adults was recorded for cumin oil (3.74
μ
L L
-1
air) followed by clove (6.13
μ
L L
-1
air) and spearmint (7.53
μ
L L
-1
air). The highest ovicidal activity was recorded f
or cumin
oil (LC
50
= 7.65
μ
L L
-1
air) followed by clove (LC
50
= 8.73
μ
L L
-1
air) and spearmint (LC
50
=
9.01
μ
L L
-1
air). According to repellency tests, by increasing
concentration of oils, the
repellency effects were increased. The most potent
repellency effect was recorded for
clove, followed by spearmint and cumin oils. The th
ree extracted essential oils seem to be
suitable sources of active vapors that can be used
as alternatives for chemical pesticides
for controlling this pest.
Keywords:
Clove, Cumin
,
Ovicidal activity, Spearmint.
