Insecticidal activity of essential oil from Eucalyptus globulus against Aphis nerii (Boyer) and Gynaikothrips ficorum (Marchal)

Abstract

Aphids and thrips are very important pest species of many greenhouse and field plants in the world. In recent years, there have been attempts to identify plants for their insecticidal property with a view to find out suitable alternatives to the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides, which are a risk for human health and the environment. The aim of this work was to evaluate the insecticidal effect of Eucalyptus globulus Labill essential oil (EO) against Aphis nerii Boyer de Fonscolombe (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Gynaikothrips ficorum Marchal (Thysanoptera: Ploeothridae). The EO was extracted by hydrodistillation and the bioassay was evaluated by toxicity contact method, using solutions at different concentrations and for different time intervals. The EO was more toxic to G. ficorum (LC 50 = 0.031µL cm-2) than A. nerii (LC 50 = 0.099µL cm-2) on filter discs at 12 h of exposure. These results suggested that EO from E. globulus constitute a good alternative for the control of A. nerii and G. ficorum, considering their insecticidal effects at low applied concentrations and for short periods of time.

Evaluation of the Toxicity of Satureja intermedia C. A. Mey Essential Oil to Storage and Greenhouse Insect Pests and a Predator Ladybird

“…The contact toxicity of the essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. against A. nerii has been reported by Russo et al [ 53 ]. Although this is the only previous study to investigate the susceptibility of A. nerii to a plant essential oil, its findings confirm the results of the present study about the possibility of A. nerii management through plant essential oils.…”

Repellent, Insecticidal and Antimicrobial Activities of Leaf Essential Oils from Three Eucalyptus Species

“…Essential oils are complex mixtures of volatile organic substances, consisting of oxygenated compounds and hydrocarbons, such as sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes, were widely applied in food, perfumes, toiletries, chemical additives, medicine and pharmaceutical science . Many plant essential oils and their major constituents exhibit a wide range of biological properties, such as insecticidal, antibacterial, antifungal, spasmolytic, and so on . Due to the great value, the development of essential oils from plants and evaluation on their activities is still highly desirable.…”

Metabolite profiling of four Tunisian Eucalyptus essential oils and assessment of their insecticidal and antifungal activities

“…Eucalyptus citriodora has exhibited noteworthy effects against Myzus persicae Sulzer, a pest that impacts citrus trees [ 34 ]. In a recent study conducted by Pathak et al [ 35 ], both Eucalyptus globulus and its constituent, 1,8-cineole, demonstrated high efficacy against A. fabae , resulting in a mortality rate of 81.08 ± 6.2 % after 24 h. Similarly, Russo et al [ 36 ] reported a 100 % mortality rate after 24 h for Eucalyptus globulus EO when used against A. nerii .…”