Screening of the Acaricidal Activity of Essential Oils against Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae)

The citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor), is an important pest of citrus in China, where pesticides are commonly used in citrus orchards. In order to reduce the use of chemical pesticides against P. citri and the development of resistance, the screening of biological control agents has attracted the attention of students. In this study, seven plant essential oils with high toxicity were selected from 40 plant essential oils by the leaf-dip bioassay, including plant essential oils of lemongrass, patchouli, juniper berry, sage, clove, frankincense, and citrus. The LC50 after 72 h treatment were 3.198 mu L/mL, 8.312 mu L/mL, 3.244 mu L/mL, 6.701 mu L/mL, 8.350 mu L/mL, 21.953 mu L/mL, and 8.788 mu L/mL, respectively. According to the LT50, the essential oils' acute toxicity to P. citri from high to low were lemongrass, juniper berry, patchouli, citrus, sage, vetiver, and frankincense essential oils. In general, lemongrass and juniper berry essential oils have the best acaricidal effect and have high application value for the biological control of P. citri, which provides a basis for the development of botanical acaricides.

Automated summary

The citrus red mite, Panonychus citri, is a major pest in Chinese citrus orchards. To reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and prevent resistance, students have focused on screening biological control agents. This study identified seven plant essential oils with high toxicity to P. citri, including lemongrass, patchouli, juniper berry, sage, clove, frankincense, and citrus oils. Lemongrass and juniper berry oils exhibited the best acaricidal effect and have potential for the biological control of P. citri.