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Alabama argillacea (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is a cotton pest. It is considered the most important defoliator species. It is commonly controlled using non-selective synthetic insecticides. However, they cause adverse effects to the environment. Thus, there is a need for more sustainable forms of management. In this case, essential oils may be a promising alternative. They have proven effects against countless agricultural pests. However, there is still few information on the effects of essential oils against A. argillacea. The present work aims to evaluate the deterrent activity of essential oils of Mentha spicata, Litsea cubeba, Melaleuca alternifolia and Juniperus virginiana on the oviposition of A. argillacea and identify which compounds of these oils are responsible for this action. Oviposition bioassays were performed to test oils. Gas chromatography coupled with electroantennography (GC-EAD) was performed to identify constituents detected by A. argillacea. In oviposition bioassays, only the oil of M. spicata showed activity against A. argillacea. GC-EAD analyses of this oil revealed that three compounds elicited visible antennal responses, namely, limonene, carvone and (E)-β-caryophyllene. Bioassays testing these three compounds showed that only limonene elicited oviposition deterrence against A. argillacea. Hence, the findings suggest that the essential oil of M. spicata and, more specially, limonene may contribute to a more sustainable management of this important pest of cotton.

The lethal and sublethal effects of abamectin, spiromesifen, azadirachtin and neem oil significantly affect P. latus population growth, as well as causing repellence to this mite on C. annuum, and they should be considered in the integrated pest management of this mite. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

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<i>Rhipsalis baccifera</i> (Sol.) Stearn is a typical cactus from tropical regions with wide geographic distribution, and its therapeutic potential is not yet fully understood, such as antitumoral property. Thus, this study evaluated the cytotoxic ethanolic extract of <i>R. baccifera</i> (EERB) and its antitumor activity against Erlich's tumor in mice. The EERB was obtained, and its phytochemical profile was filed by thin-layer chromatography. The toxicity was evaluated in vitro and in vivo using the microcrustacean<i> Artemia salina</i> Leach and mice. The lethal dose was determined after implantation of a tumor cell suspension, with subsequent treatment with EERB (200 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) 48h after implantation. These values represent the tenth part of the DL₅₀ and CL₅₀, respectively. The presence of phenols, tannins and triterpenes were demonstrated in the phytochemical results. Toxicity was dose-dependent, and the tumor inhibition was 84.1% and 75.8% at doses of 200 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, respectively. We can highlight that the growth of Erlich's carcinoma suffered inhibitory effects against the EERB. EERB was found to have low acute toxicity and a high potential for use in antitumor therapy. Thus, new studies involving pre-clinical and clinical analyses of the extract are essential to determine the safe dose.

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