Subletal effects of some essential oils on the nutrition and biological parameters of Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and its selectivity to Trichogramma pretiosum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

Abstract

Despite advances, few studies have correlated essential oils and tomato fruit borer, Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenée, 1854) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a pest of several solanaceae. Origanum majorana L. and Copaifera officinalis L. stand out for causing changes in the biology and nutrition of some pests. The research aimed to study the correlation between the efficiency of these oils on the N. elegantalis management, their effects, and its interference in the biological parameters on the egg parasitoids Trichogramma pretiosum. The chemical analysis revealed that the compund in O. majorana oil belonged mainly to monoterpene class. While in the C. officinalis the oil belonged mainly to the sesquiterpenes. The LC50 were 667.90 and 1169.71 ppm for O. majorana and C. officinalis oils, respectively. Copaifera officinalis affected the biological parameters of N. elegantalis negatively, causing lengthening of the larval development and reduction in the pre-pupal and pupal weight. Origanum majorana interfered with biochemical parameters of N. elegantalis. The oil of C. officinalis was selective in the management of T. pretiosum, not interfering with parasitism and the emmergence of adults, therefore indicated to the concept of the IPM (Integrated Pest Management), since it only affects on the pest.