Insecticidal activity of essential oils on the aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas)(Hemiptera: Aphididae) in roses

Abstract

Pest resistance to insecticides and their high cost of control have stimulated the search for alternatives less harmful to the environment with less financial impact on agriculture. This study aimed to identify and quantify the constituents of essential oils from dry fruits of Illicium verum and Piper hispidinervum, and its effects on the population of the aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae. Two tests were performed: contact with contaminated leaflets and another on filter paper. The tested concentrations were: I. verum oil 0.3 to 2.0% (v/v), P. hispidinervum 1.0 to 2.5% (v/v), both in acetone, and two controls, one untreated check and one withacetone. The completely randomized design with 5 replications was used. The essential oils were toxic to the aphids. The contact with leaflets test was the most efficient. The mortality varied significantly to each oil. The I. verum oil showed higher insecticide action than the oil of P. hispidinervum on the aphid M. euphorbiae due the presence in higher concentration of the compound (E)-anethole.