Prospects of neem and citronella oil against Pseudococcus longispinus (hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on Phalaenopsis

Abstract

Synthetic insecticides are still widely used in gardens and greenhouses of ornamental crops to reduce populations of insect pests and preserve flower quality. The improper and unwise use of synthetic insecticides has caused various negative impacts on humans, insect pests, and the environment. Therefore, the quest for unharmed insecticides and environmentally friendly is being sought. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of botanical insecticide formulation of neem and citronella oil to control long-tailed mealybug Pseudococcus longispinus. Four insecticide concentrations of neem, citronella oil and its mixtures (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 per cent) were tested for their effectiveness by adding each with Latron at 0.5% as an emulsifier. Bioassays were performed in the laboratory by spraying insecticides on Phalaenopsis leaves infested with P. longispinus groups of one size class, mostly represented by the third instar nymphs. The results revealed that all insecticides tested caused mortality after 24 hours. The combination of neem and citronella in 1.5% provided adequate protection by reducing P. longispinus populations by up to 86%. Thus, botanical insecticides can be recommended as a viable alternative to synthetic insecticides against P. longispinus which infested orchids.