Abstract
The box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis Walker) is an invasive species in Europe causing severe damage both in natural and ornamental boxwood (Buxus spp.) vegetation. Pest management tactics are often based on the use of chemical insecticides, whereas environmentally-friendly control solutions are not available against this insect. The application of essential oils may provide effective protection against oviposition and subsequent larval damage. Oviposition deterrence of cinnamon, eucalyptus and lavender essential oils was tested on female C. perspectalis in behavioural bioassays. Our results indicate that all the studied essential oils may be adequate deterrents; however, cinnamon oil exhibited the strongest effect. To determine the physiologically active compounds in the headspace of the essential oils, gas chromatography coupled with electroantennography recordings were performed in parallel with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify the volatile constituents. In addition, the release rates of various components from vial-wick dispensers were measured during the oviposition bioassay. These results may serve as a basis for the development of a practical and insecticide-free plant protection method against this invasive moth species.
Highlights
Invasive pests represent a great concern for the native ecosystem on their newly conquered territories
Each tested essential oils (EOs) significantly reduced the number of eggs laid upon treated as compared to control plants
Time had no effect on the repellency; EOs performed with equivalent efficiency throughout the five days of the trials
Summary
Invasive pests represent a great concern for the native ecosystem on their newly conquered territories. The box tree moth (BTM) (Cydalima perspectalis Walker, Lepidoptera: Crambidae) has recently been introduced into Europe and has rapidly become a highly invasive and destructive pest, feeding exclusively on boxwood (Buxus spp.) and different varieties [3,4,5,6]. Females lay their eggs on boxwood leaves, and larval feeding may lead to complete defoliation of the shrubs. Besides being a pest of major concern in urban environments all over Europe, in the western, southern and eastern parts of the continent, large areas of natural boxwood forests are at a severe risk posed by this pest [7,8,9].
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