EVALUATION OF SIX ESSENTIAL OILS FOR CONTROLLING COTTON APHID AND POTENTIAL USE IN THE ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

The cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is one of the most widespread pests worldwide on host plants, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, in open fields or under greenhouse conditions. Their damage is not only caused by sucking the juice from plant tissue but also by their ability to transmit many viruses. In this study, A. gossypii individuals were collected in the seasons of 2022 and 2023 in order to conduct a series of bioassay experiments to evaluate six essential oils, which were Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), Lavender (Lavandula coronopifolia), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), and Anise (Pimpinella anisum), toward A. gossypii adults in different concentrations under laboratory conditions. Results showed that all tested essential oils had varying effects on A. gossypii adults. The most effective essential oil was Cloves, with an LD50 of 2.98, followed by Thyme and Lavender, with LD50 at 3.28 and 4.40, respectively. While other essential oils, Rosemary, Coriander, and Anise, had fewer effects against A. gossypii. The results suggested that Clove, Thyme, and Lavender essential oils, at the corresponding doses, can be used as insecticides as a safe alternative to synthetic pesticides in both IPM and organic approach farms to manage A. gossypii.