The effects of some essential oils on the life table parameters of green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer, 1776) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Abstract

In this study, essential oils (EOs) of Citrus limon (L.), Citrus sinensis (L.) (Sapindales: Rutaceae), Allium sativum (L.) (Asparagales: Amaryllidaceae) and Brassica nigra (L.) (Brassicales: Brassicaceae) were evaluated for their insecticidal effects on the green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer, 1776) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The lethal and sublethal effects of these EOs on M. persicae were studied under laboratory conditions. This study was conducted at Yozgat Bozok University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Protection in 2023. The experiments were evaluated at different concentrations for 24 hours after treatment. The lethal concentrations (LC50, LC90) of the EOs were calculated based on the data obtained. The life table parameters of newly born aphids were studied at sublethal concentrations (LC40, LC30) of EOs, and these parameters were calculated using the Euler-Lotka equation. The results show that the mortality rate increases with growing concentration of essential oils. The lethal concentration (LC50) of essential oils were calculated to be 3.47, 4.37, 4.51, and 5.16 µL/L, respectively. The sublethal concentrations (LC40, LC30) of essential oils caused an increase in adult longevity, a decrease in fecundity of surviving aphids and intrinsic rate of increase. From the data obtained, the EOs of C. limon and C. sinensis were more effective than other EOs in the study. It was found that other essential oils (A. sativum and B. nigra) may also be effective against M. persicae, even if their effect is low.