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Insecticidal Activity of Some Major Essential Oil Components against Metopolophium dirhodum and Its Predators
Roman Pavela1,2,3, Matěj Novák1,2
1Crop Research Institute, 161 06 Prague, Czech Republic.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 13, 2024
Summary
A new study reveals that a binary mixture of β-citronellol and linalool effectively controls the cereal pest aphid Metopolophium dirhodum. This natural insecticide is also safe for beneficial aphid predators.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Essential oils (EOs) are recognized for their insecticidal properties, but specific data on major components against aphids and their natural enemies are limited.
- Aphids, such as Metopolophium dirhodum, pose significant threats to cereal crops, necessitating effective and environmentally conscious control methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of individual major substances from essential oils (β-citronellol, carvacrol, isoeugenol, linalool) and their binary mixtures against the cereal pest aphid Metopolophium dirhodum.
- To assess the impact of these substances on aphid mortality and fertility, and their safety towards key aphid predators.
Main Methods:
- Testing the mortality and fertility effects of β-citronellol, carvacrol, isoeugenol, and linalool, along with their binary combinations, on adult aphids.
- Determining lethal concentrations (LC50/LC90) and evaluating sublethal effects on aphid reproduction.
- Assessing the toxicity of the most effective compounds and mixtures on the larvae of important aphid predators, Aphidoletes aphidimyza and Chrysoperla carnea.
Main Results:
- The binary mixture of β-citronellol and linalool (1:1 ratio) demonstrated the highest efficacy, with estimated LC50(90) values of 0.56(1.58) mL L⁻¹ against M. dirhodum.
- Sublethal concentrations of this mixture significantly reduced aphid fertility, with β-citronellol being identified as the primary agent responsible for decreased nymph production.
- Despite high efficacy against aphids, β-citronellol, linalool, and their mixture exhibited low toxicity towards the larvae of the aphid predators A. aphidimyza and C. carnea.
Conclusions:
- The synergistic binary mixture of β-citronellol and linalool shows significant potential as a botanical insecticide for controlling cereal aphids.
- This mixture offers a promising, eco-friendly alternative for aphid management, with a favorable safety profile for beneficial insects.
