Acaricidal properties of the selected components, blends and essential oils of species of genus Protium (Burseraceae) against Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae)

This study describes the chemical composition of essential oils from the leaves of Protium aracouchine and Protium giganteum, evaluates their acaricidal properties and investigates the role of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in toxicity to Tetranychus urticae by fumigation and residual contact. The chemical analyses revealed that spathulenol (32.2 +/- 1.6%) and beta-caryophyllene (27.3 +/- 1.1%) were the major constituents of the P. aracouchine and P. giganteum oils, respectively. Both Protium oils were toxic to the mite by fumigation and residual contact. The oils exhibited the same level of toxicity by residual contact, where the P. aracouchine oil was fivefold more toxic by fumigation than the P. giganteum oil. Among the chemical constituents tested, the mite was more susceptible to beta-caryophyllene and spathulenol, independently of the method used. The blends prepared with terpenes selected from the P. giganteum oil had the same level of toxicity as the essential oil. The investigation of the role of terpenes in the form of blends revealed that beta-caryophyllene and spathulenol contributed significantly to the acaricidal effects. These results suggest that the preparation of artificial oils is a promising strategy for the control of T. urticae.

Automated summary

This study investigates the chemical composition and acaricidal properties of essential oils from Protium aracouchine and Protium giganteum. The results show that spathulenol and beta-caryophyllene are the major constituents in these oils. Both oils exhibit toxicity to Tetranychus urticae through fumigation and residual contact, with the P. aracouchine oil being more toxic. Beta-caryophyllene and spathulenol are found to contribute significantly to the acaricidal effects.