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Abstract
Both neemix and basil oil had an insecticidal effect against Aphis craccivora Koch when the plant was treated systematically or by contact. The tested compounds caused a significant reduction in fecundity, longevity and the natal period. In addition, neemix and basil oil had a toxic effect on the adult stage of the pest, which was more clear for basil oil than neemix, since the cumulative percent morality reached 100% in all tested concentrations after 7 days for basil treatment and after 8 days for neemix oil treatment, while the mortality did not exceed 36% for the control. The two tested oils also had an antifeedant and aphicidal effect on the nymphal stage, since they caused prolongation of the nymphal duration, high percentage of mortality and only a few young ones can be succeeded to reach to the adult stage. The correlation between the biological effects of the tested compounds and the impairment of the activity of some enzymes (acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase) and (aspartate aminotranferase and alanine aminotransferase) as well as protein contents had also been investigated. The results clarified a significant reduction in all the tested enzymes and were more pronounced for basil oil treatment than neemix. This explained the reduction in the reproductive potency of A. craccivora Koch. Concerning the side effect of the tested compounds on faba bean plants, the results indicated that the treatment induced promising effect on the antioxidant enzymes activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase) of the plants which were treated with basil oil and neemix.