Can the Interaction Between Castor and Jatropha Oils Be Efficient in the Management of Pink Mealybug?

Abstract

The pink mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a polyphagous pest species that has been reported in about 350 species of host plants worldwide. Usually, the use of synthetic chemicals is still the most used control method for the control of agricultural pests. The objective of this present work was to evaluate the potential of the interaction of oils extracted from the species Ricinus communis L. (castor) and Jatropha curcas L. (jatropha) (Euphorbiaceae) in the form of direct and indirect application on M. hirsutus. The experiments were conducted in air-conditioned chambers at a temperature of 25 ± 1ºC, relative humidity 70% ± 10 and a photophase of 12h. The 3% concentration was used in the tests, with 11 interaction ratios between the oils. Individuals' mortality was assessed at 24, 48 and 72 hours after spraying. The results of the interactions indicated up to 78% mortality of individuals in the ratio 90% castor + 10% jatropha via indirect application, while in the direct application on individuals they presented 53% mortality in the ratio 40% castor + 60% jatropha. The interactions between castor and jatropha oils have demonstrated potential in the management of pink mealybug by direct or indirect application.