Articles
DECREASING APHID DAMAGE BY A BOTANICAL INSECTICIDE FERULA ASSAFOETIDA ESSENTIAL OIL IN POMEGRANATE ORCHARDS IN IRAN
Article number
1089_21
Pages
179 – 181
Language
English
Abstract
Pomegranate was cultivated over a wide area in Iran. Aphis punicae (Hem.: Aphididae) is an insect pest in some pomegranate orchards early season for about a month.
For this purpose, chemical insecticides are not used for pest control but botanical insecticides, as environmentally friendly compounds, are the candidate when needed.
Some farmers traditionally use it for carob moth control.
In this study we evaluated contact/fumigant toxicity of Ferula assafoetida (Apiaceae) essential oil against Aphis punicae in a pomegranate orchard in Karaj, Alborz province.
Four treatments were used: water (control), ethanol (as oil solvent), 0.5, and 1.5 ml/L essential oil.
Twenty five shoots (25 to 30 cm) containing aphid nymphs and adults were estimated for the population density then sprayed by each treatment.
The results showed significant differences between treatments (p<0.001) after 24 h.
Application of 1.5 ml/L of the oil had a negative impact on aphids and caused a mortality rate of more than 70% in the population.
Despite the fact that essential oils evaporate quickly in natural conditions, they could be used against sucking insect pests in the field.
Complementary studies are needed to understand their effects on natural enemies such as parasitoids and predators.
For this purpose, chemical insecticides are not used for pest control but botanical insecticides, as environmentally friendly compounds, are the candidate when needed.
Some farmers traditionally use it for carob moth control.
In this study we evaluated contact/fumigant toxicity of Ferula assafoetida (Apiaceae) essential oil against Aphis punicae in a pomegranate orchard in Karaj, Alborz province.
Four treatments were used: water (control), ethanol (as oil solvent), 0.5, and 1.5 ml/L essential oil.
Twenty five shoots (25 to 30 cm) containing aphid nymphs and adults were estimated for the population density then sprayed by each treatment.
The results showed significant differences between treatments (p<0.001) after 24 h.
Application of 1.5 ml/L of the oil had a negative impact on aphids and caused a mortality rate of more than 70% in the population.
Despite the fact that essential oils evaporate quickly in natural conditions, they could be used against sucking insect pests in the field.
Complementary studies are needed to understand their effects on natural enemies such as parasitoids and predators.
Authors
M.S. Firoozi, S.Z. Hashemi, S.H. Goldansaz, N. Poorjavad
Keywords
Aphis punicae, aroma, medicinal plant, non-chemical control, IPM
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