Potential of Organic Lavender and Peppermint Essential Oils Against Sucking Insects in Oil-bearing Rose Plantations

The present study aims to establish the effectiveness of organic essential oils extracted from lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia Mill) and peppermint ( Mentha piperita ) on some sucking insects in organic oil-bearing rose plantations. The contact action of 2%, 4%, and 6% essential oil solutions has been tested on Macrosiphum rosae L, Thrips tabaci, and Tetranychus urticae Koch, identified as the most important and common sucking insects on oil-bearing roses. The study was conducted in an organic rose plantation located in the region of the village Kliment between 2023 and 2025. The field experiment was organised according to the randomised block design with four replications and a plot size of 18 m 2 . The study finds that as the solution concentration increases, its effectiveness increases. The 6% lavender essential oil solution reduced the populations of Thrips tabaci and the green rose aphid by up to 41%, and that of the two-spotted spider mite by up to 27%. The highest concentration of peppermint essential oil showed efficacy of up to 30% against Thrips tabaci , up to 34% against the green rose aphid, and up to 21% against the two-spotted spider mite. While essential oil solutions do not match the efficacy of the commercial organic insecticide Limocide®, their effectiveness makes them a valuable addition to plant protection strategies aimed at reducing conventional chemical pesticides and promoting sustainable agriculture. Essential oils hold significant potential that requires careful research to optimize their use. Further investigations are necessary to improve their field performance while safeguarding non-target organisms and human health.