Effects of plant extracts and essential oils on the behavior of Acrobasis advenella (Zinck.) caterpillars and females

Abstract

At present, Acrobasis advenella (Zinck.) (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) is the most dangerous pest of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa [Michx.] Elliot). Damaged flower buds may decrease yield, while pest feeding inside fruits causes deterioration in their quality. The aim of the study was to determine and compare the effect of water and acetone plants extracts and essential oils using free choice tests of feeding site of larvae and oviposition of females. The following species were examined: Achillea millefolium, Cymbopogon citratus, Nepeta cataria, Origanum vulgare, Satureja hortensis, Tagetes patula nana, Tanacetum vulgare and Thymus vulgaris. The results showed that plant species had a significant influence on the choice of oviposition and feeding site of A. advenella. Moreover, the type of formulation affected the number of laid eggs. Females did not lay eggs on infructescences treated with acetone extracts. Among the test preparations, the highest percentage larvae and adults of A. advenella was recorded for plants soaked in C. citratus, and therefore it can be a potential attractant for this pest species. The lowest number of eggs and larvae was observed for T. vulgare.