Insecticidal effects of Artemisia dracunculus L. (Asteraceae) essential oil on adult of Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) under laboratory conditions

Abstract

Aphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) is one of the most important pests of agriculture worldwide. To control the pest population, research on the use of the environmental and plant-based compounds has increased in recent decades. So, in this study, effect of fumigant toxicity of Artemisia dracunculus L. essential oil on adults of the mentioned pest was studied. The essential oil of this plant was subjected to hydro-distillation using a Clevenger apparatus. All bioassay examinations were conducted at 27 ± 2 and 65 ± 5 °C relative humidity and a photoperiod of 16:8 h (light:dark). This research was performed in a completely random design with six treatments in different concentrations and times to evaluate the level of LC50 and LT50. Each treatment was evaluated in three replicates for different concentrations and times with each replicate consisting of 20 same-age adult pests. The results showed that the use of the essential oil of A. dracunculus L. shows significant mortality of pest 24 h after treatment. LC50 value of this essential oil on adults of A. gossypii was 18.63 μL/L of air and LT50 value of the essential oil on the mentioned pest resulted to be 10.74 h with a concentration of 18.63 μL/L of air. The results showed that by increasing the concentration and duration of essence treatment, the mortality rate also increased. Experiment results showed that A. dracunculus L. oil has strong effect on the above-mentioned pest and it will be suggested for using in the mentioned integrated pest management programmes in greenhouses for its high potential in fumigant toxicity.