Potential of Terpenoids and Mealybug Extract to Deter the Establishment of Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) Crawlers on Opuntia ficus-indica

Abstract

The article presents a study that tests terpenoids known for their repellency or toxicity to insects as an alternative to prevent crawlers from establishing on non-infested cladodes under shade house conditions. It shows that Eugenol, menthol and Dactylopius opuntiae (D. opuntiae) extract reduced the number of D. opuntiae crawlers fixed to healthy Opuntia cladodes by 71, 63, and 67% respectively. It observes a reduction of 75% of crawlers fixation on cladodes treated with menthol.