No abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate some pesticides with two methods of control (preventative and curative) in a private field in the region of Abu Al-Khaseeb in Basrah province during the growing season of 2018 / 2019; treatments were applied in three dates (eight weeks, ten weeks and twelve weeks) after the pollination of the date palm trees (28/2/2019). The results recorded that the 1st spray was the most effective in reducing the population density of the dust mites compared to the second and third spraying rate (49.25, 45.40 and 42.69)% respectively. The dormant spray carried out in December 2018 that reduced the population density of the pest below the economic threshold by using Sulphur (200, 300 and 400) G/palm and Matrixine (1, 1.5 and 2) Ml.L-1; the population density was decreased to 7.88, 4.15 and 4.05 mites and to 7.53, 4.31 and 3.96 mites by controlling with Sulphur and Matrixine, respectively, compared to the untreated palms (8.63, 24.53 and 42.40 mites) at the sampling events 15 March, 15 April and 15 May.

This study aimed to determine the variables that influence the mortality rate of Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) (Acari Tetranchidae) dust mites and to explore potential control options for this pest. The important variables that were examined at included plant species, extraction method, concentration, and time. The findings indicated noteworthy impacts of these variables on the mortality rates of dust mites. The mortality rates of dust mites were significantly affected by the type of plant species (p < 0.01). The highest mortality rates were observed with Cymbopogon citratus, whereas there was no significant variation between Vitexm agnus-castus and Melilotus officinalis. The extraction method was Influential (p < 0.01), with ethanol extract performing better than aqueous and hexane extracts in terms of efficacy. Aqueous extraction had a lower efficacy than hexane extraction. The concentration of plant extract considerably affected the mortality rates of dust mites (p < 0.01). increased concentrations led to significantly increased mortality rates, demonstrating a concentration-dependent impact. Dust mite mortality rates were also affected by exposure duration (p 0.01). When the exposure period was increased, the mortality rate increased considerably. Significant differences in mortality rates have been observed for each time period (6, 12, 24, and 48 hours). These findings emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate plant species, utilizing effective extraction methods, optimizing concentration levels, and considering exposure duration for designing efficient dust mite control strategies. Cymbopogon citratus, especially when extracted with ethanol and applied at higher concentrations, has the potential to be a natural dust mite control treatment.