Various effects of ethanolic extract of Mentha pulegium on the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Tetranychidae)

Abstract

Ethanolic extract of Mentha pulegium was evaluated against the adults of important arthropod pest species, the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae. Potential acaricidal impact of plant was determined by contact application. Phytotoxicity was recorded after 24 h. The value of LC₅₀ was 59,149 mg L⁻¹. Also, LT₅₀ values were 27.42, 25.56 and 19.79 h for 35,000, 50,000 and 100,000 mg L⁻¹, respectively. Also, results showed that this ethanolic extract had impact on repellency of T. urticae. All of the tested concentrations were similar in the repellency test. On the other hand, the used concentrations (1000, 4000, 6000 and 8000 mg L⁻¹) affected on the oviposition of mite females. These extract doses significantly decreased the egg laying on the treated surface. The current study indicated that this ethanolic extract can be used as a safe acaricide on T. urticae.

Keywords:

• Mentha pulegium
• ethanolic extract
• Tetranychus urticae
• repellency
• oviposition deterrence

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a grant from the Shahed University of Iran and carried out in Faculty of Agricultural Sciences.