Enhanced and sustainable control of Myzus persicae by repellent plants in organic pepper and eggplant greenhouses.

Abstract

Repellent plants (RPs), generally used to keep pests away from crops in integrated pest management, have been shown to reduce the need for synthetic insecticide sprays in various agroecosystems. However, few studies have evaluated the pest control efficiency of RPs over the entire growth period of crops. To evaluate the effect of RPs against Myzus persicae and explore the application and management modes of RPs in the field, we planted mint (Mentha haplocalyx), mung bean (Vigna radiata), celery (Apium graveolens) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum) near the ventilation openings of commercial greenhouses. Five-month sampling results showed that mung bean and mint treatments significantly reduced M. persicae population levels over the entire growth period, whereas celery and coriander reduced aphid infestations during the main harvest period of eggplant. The four RP species showed the strongest repellence during their fast-growth periods. Mung bean and mint shortened the activity period of M. persicae in pepper by delaying the pest in reaching its peak activity. Celery and coriander reduced aphid density on eggplant during their main activity period. Mint, celery and coriander inhibited population growth in M. persicae in the laboratory, revealing the potential value of RPs in reducing M. persicae population levels in the field. Mint, mung bean, celery and coriander planted near ventilation openings could be used to control M. persicae infestations in commercial greenhouses. Early planting and timely replanting of RPs is a more effective, environmentally friendly and suitable method for organic pest control compared with chemical pesticides. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.