A comparative study of the effect of some mineral and plant oils on the two spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Abstract

The direct toxicity of some mineral and plant oils to the eggs and females of the two spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch was tested. KZ oil was toxic to the egg stage compared to adult female. In contrast, Natur'l oil has a close toxic effect for both stages of T. urticae. Bio-dux oil was proved to be toxic to adult female and relatively in toxic to egg stage. Females of T. urticae suffered a depression in reproduction and shortened longevity when kept on plant leaves previously treated with different oils. Laboratory studies indicated that the vegetable oil Natur'l oil was effective on all biological aspects of T. urticae studies.