plant extracts

Almond is native to Central Asia and Iran and one of the most important garden crops in the country and has an important place among the garden crops in the country, especially in the western part of the country. Bacterial canker disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae is also known as bud blast disease and blossom blast disease. Given the importance of this disease and the need to fight it correctly and systematically, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of plant extracts including Lavender, Biarum and Michael Hoog on reducing the pathogenicity of the bacteria P. syringae pv. syringae and introducing an effective and practical concentration of plant extracts in a laboratory test. The test was performed on Nutrient Agar culture medium and after the bacteria were cultivated, wells with a diameter of three millimeters were created in the middle of each Petri dish on the culture medium and about 10 microliters of each extract were poured into each well. Sterile distilled water was used as the control. Three replicates were considered for each extract. The concentrations of aqueous and alcoholic extracts were 500, 1500 and 2000ppm. After 48 hours of pouring the extracts into the wells, the growth inhibitory area around the well was measured, and finally the percentage of control of each extract compared to the distilled water control was calculated. The results show that the best inhibitory effect among the aqueous extracts was related to the aqueous extract of Lavender with a concentration of 2000ppm with an inhibitory effect of 82.45%, and the aqueous extract of Michael Hoog with a concentration of 500ppm with an inhibitory effect of 29.68% had the least inhibitory effect on the bacteria P. syringae pv. syringae in vitro condition; The best inhibitory effect among alcoholic extracts was related to the ethanol extract of Lavender with a concentration of 2000ppm with an inhibitory effect of 84.12%, and the ethanol extract of Michael Hoog with a concentration of 500ppm with an inhibitory effect of 34.12% had the lowest inhibitory effect on the P. syringae pv. syringae in vitro conditions; all treatments used in this study were statistically better than the control treatment. The findings in this study showed that the plant extracts used in this study have inhibitory properties against the bacteria that cause bacterial canker in laboratory conditions, so by finding formulations of plant compounds such as extracts, they can be used as substitutes for chemical compounds that have less herbicidal properties, fewer environmental risks, and guarantee human and environmental health against these bacteria.

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are one of the most important plant parasitic nematodes in the world, and due to their wide distribution, and host diversity, they are considered important pathogens in plants. The use of natural compounds in plant extracts is suitable for controlling plant parasitic nematodes due to their cheapness, availability and absence of side effects. In this research, the inhibitory effect of eucalyptus leaf and stem extract (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) on tobacco root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) was investigated in laboratory conditions. After extracting the aqueous extract of Eucalyptus stem and leaf, biometric experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of the extracts on egg hatching and mortality of the second-stage juvenile (J2) of the M. incognita with five different concentrations of both extracts, in a completely randomized design. It was done with 4 repetitions. The 50% lethal concentration (LC50) after 24 hours was calculated using the probit program. Eucalyptus leaf extract with LC50 equivalent to 768 and 2150 ppm was more effective than the stem extract against second-stage juvenile and nematode eggs, respectively. In the highest tested concentration (20%), the rate of inhibition of egg hatching and mortality of second-stage juveniles due to eucalyptus leaf extract was calculated as 94.5 and 100%, respectively. In general, the results obtained from this research showed that the extracts of both plant organs, especially the leaf extract of E. camaldulensis, have good inhibitory power against M. incognita.
 

The ever increasing population and global issue for food security have led us to use multiple approaches to overcome the weed problems that can reduce the crop productivity up to 70%. Chemical herbicides and mechanical and other biological approaches have overcome weed problem on one hand but also destroy the environment and caused some human health impacts on the other hand. Bioherbicides are biological control agents applied in similar ways to chemical herbicides to control weeds. Of the array of bioherbicides currently available, the most successful products appear to be sourced from fungi (mycoherbicides), with at least 16 products being developed for commercial use globally. Over the last few decades, bioherbicides sourced from bacteria and plant extracts (such as allelochemicals and essential oils), together with viruses, have also shown marked success in controlling various weeds. Despite this encouraging trend, ongoing research is still required for these compounds to be economically viable and successful in the long term. This review will explain the importance and impacts of the bioherbicides by elaborating the constraints which this approach is facing in its production and application.

Trialeurodes vaporarium (Westwood) is a polyphagous pest that causes economic damage to the quantity and quality of many crops around the world. In recent years, using plant compounds as low-risk insecticides to replace chemical pesticides has increased significantly. This research aimed to investigate the chemical composition of methanolic extracts of Mentha longifolia L. and Thymus pubescens Boiss. and their insecticidal and repellent effects on greenhouse whiteflies in a completely randomized design in laboratory conditions.

A contact toxicity test was performed using the two methanolic extracts, each in three concentrations (1000, 1500, and 2000 ppm) and after three durations (24, 48, and 72 hours). Filter papers impregnated with different concentrations of plant extracts were used to determine the percentage of repellency. Each filter paper was cut into equal halves, and one half was impregnated separately with concentrations of 1000, 1500, and 2000 ppm. The other half was impregnated with only methanol solvent as a control. The two paper halves were then glued together and placed in Petri dishes (with a diameter of 8 cm). In each petri dish, 20 adult whitefly (T. vaporarium) insects were placed in the middle of the filter paper, and the total number of insects on each half of the filter paper was checked after 24, 48, and 72 hours.

 The results showed a significant difference in the percentage of toxicity at different concentrations after each studied duration. Based on the contact toxicity tests, the mortality rate increased with increasing the concentration and duration of exposure to the extracts. The LC50 levels of oregano and thyme extracts were 11148 and 13980 mg/L, respectively. According to the results, the mortality rate increased with increasing concentration and time. The highest mortality rate was observed in M. longiflora extract with a concentration of 2000 ppm after 72 hours (96.25 %), and the lowest mortality in T. pubescens extract with a concentration of 1000 ppm after 24 hours (17.5 %). The repellent effect increased with the higher concentration of extracts. The repellency test showed that M. longiflora extract had a significantly high repellent power. The highest and lowest repellency effects were observed in M. longiflora extract (90 %) and T. pubescens extract (23.12 %), respectively. The chemical compounds of the methanolic extracts were identified using a GC-MS, and their diagrams were drawn. The analysis of chemical compounds found that most of the identified compounds of the two plant extracts studied were terpenoid compounds, monoterpenes, and Cesciue terpenes, and thymol (38-42 %) was the highest composition of the extracts.

The results of the present study indicated that these extracts have favorable insecticidal and repellent properties against T. vaporarium, and their use in controlling this pest is recommended.

Pistachio is an important export product in Iran. This product is constantly threatened by Aspergillus flavus and its aflatoxin. Researchers are now looking to use alternative non-hazardous methods instead of other methods of management of plant diseases, such as the use of chemical pesticides. Plant extracts as an environmentally friendly method can be a good alternative to chemicals. In this study, the effect of plant extracts including lavender (Lavandula stoechas), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and savory (Satureja hortensis) on the amount of degradation and aflatoxin production in vitro, by paper disk methods and mixing the extract with the culture medium, as well as in the storage conditions and on pistachio were investigated. The results showed that using of 2000 mg/L methanol extract reduced the growth of pathogenic fungus by 65.63%. In the tests of using the extracts on the paper disc as well as mixing the extracts with the culture medium, aqueous extract of lavender with a concentration of 2000 μg/ml prevented the growth of pathogen by 39.31 and 55.96%, respectively, and thyme extract with a concentration of 2000 μg/ml inhibited the fungal growth by 29.33% and 39.54%, respectively. These extracts had the highest effect on the pathogen growth. When the extracts were applied directly to aflatoxin, the results showed that the concentration of 4000 mg/L lavender prevented the aflatoxin production in the culture medium by 91.18%. Finally, aqueous extract of lavender at 4000 mg/L showed the highest effect (76.95% compared to control) in reducing the amount of spores produced by pathogenic fungi on pistachio fruit. The results of aflatoxin content in pistachio showed that both studied plants (lavender and thyme) at concentrations of 2000 and 4000 mg/L significantly reduced the amount of aflatoxin produced. Due to the remarkable and good effect of plant extracts on pistachio fruit under both in vitro and in the storage, the studied extracts, especially lavender and thyme, are natural compounds with high fungicidal effect and environmentally friendly effects.

Given the compatibility of Beauveria bassiana and plant extracts, it is feasible to increase efficacy of the fungus in microbial control of date storage pests. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction of plant extracts and B. bassiana on sawtoothed beetle populations. The vegetative and reproductive parts of myrtle, mugwort, mentha, yarrow, and neem plants were evaluated. The fungal mycelium growth and spore germination were evaluated to checking the consistency of extracted from plants by extract medium mixing method. Then, the compounds toxicity were evaluated individually and conjunction with B. bassiana by bioassay on the adult and larvae of sawtoothed beetle. Studies have shown that mycelial growth and spore germination of B. bassiana occur only in artemisia and neem. The spore germination rate of B. bassiana in neem was higher than artemisia in all concentrations. A concentration equivalent to 1949.4 microliters/liter of neem was required to reduce 50% of the germination of the fungus. The lowest and highest mycelial growth reduction (3.1% and 20.1%) were observed in 250 microliters/liter of neem and 1000 microliters/liter of artemisia, respectively. So, the concentration of neem equivalent of 36679.4 microliters/liter was required for 50% reduction of mycelial growth. The highest compatibility index (T) was 76.89 for 500 microliters/liter in combination with neem and the lowest level consistent with artemisia in 1000 microliters/liter. Both plant extracts had synergistic effect on the pathogenicity of B. bassiana on adult and larva of sawtoothed beetle. However, synergistic effect of neem extract was higher.

Tobacco Fusarium wilts of pathogen fungi are important phytopathogens distributed worldwide and can cause yield losses in tobacco growing countries. The management of fungal soilborne pathogens are accomplished through the use of pesticides, resistant varieties, biological control, and use of plant extracts is done. The use of plant extracts for management of this disease is preferable because pesticides are expensive and may pollute the environment. This design investigated the inhibitory effects of some medicinal plant extracts on growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. nicotianae the cause of tobacco collar rot and selection of a suitable concentration is performed in the laboratory in Tirtash Research and Education Center in 2018. The plants (Garlic and Cinnamon) were extracted with methanol and liquid smoke used in this study was obtained from the pyrolysis of tobacco waste. Tobacco waste was pyrolyzed in furnace in the absence of oxygen and smoke was converted to liquid smoke with cold water. This study were carried out in factorial with three factors including: crude extracts (Garlic, Cinnamon and Tobacco waste) and 6 concentration (0, 250, 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 ppm) based on Completely Randomized Design with 3 replications. The minimum inhibitory concentration of each extracts was determined by agar diffusion method. Results indicated that crude extracts of Garlic, Cinnamon and Tobacco waste (liquid smoke) have remarkable antifungal activity. With increasing concentrations of plant extracts, inhibitory effect on mycelium growth of fungal F. o f. sp. nicotianae increased. The minimum inhibitory concentration of liquid smoke of tobacco waste and methanol extracts of Garlic and Cinnamon on tobacco Fusarium wilt of against fungiwere equal to 2000, 4000 and 4000 ppm, respectively. The liquid smoke of tobacco waste at concentrations greater than 2000 ppm has fungicide and methanol extracts of Garlic and Cinnamon at concentrations greater than 4000 ppm has fungistate.

The use of chemical pesticides has caused environmental hazards as well as the creation of residues on food products. In this research, the extracts of Zataria multifloraBoiss. and Garlic (Allium sativum L.) were used for controlling the green mold of orange caused by Penicillium digitatum, invitro and invivo at 15 ̊C. In this study, the effect of plant extracts against the pathogen was evaluated using two methods, included the paper disc and mixing with culture media. Then, the effect of these extracts on the fruit was studied against the pathogen. The level of activity of the enzymes including peroxidase, catalase and polyphenol oxidase, as well as total phenol content were measured. Finally, the expression of catalase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase genes was evaluated using the Real time PCR method. The results of disc test showed that aqueous and alcoholic extracts of garlic had the highest effect on fungal mycelium growth with 60 mg at ml concentration and 32.20 mm and 26.12 mm diameter of inhibition zone respectively. The mixing culture test showed that aqueous and alcoholic extracts of garlic with 65.25 and 75.26 percent of the inhibitory effect on the pathogen, respectively, showed the best control compared to the control in 600 mg at L concentration. The results of invivo assays indicated that 6×1000 concentration of aqueous and alcoholic garlic and thyme extracts had the lowest of decay area with 5.3 and 3.26 cm2 respectively (for garlic) and 7.44 and 4.15 cm2 for thyme. Results of enzyme activity of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase showed that the highest activity of both enzymes was 9 days after sampling and in the treatment of 6×1000 garlic extract. Based on the results of laboratory and storage tests, the extract of both garlic and thyme are introduced as natural constituents with controlled potentials. The genes expression levels of enzymes as peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and phenylalanine ammonialis had the same trend to the activity of two enzymes over a period of 12 days. Based on the results of invivo and invitro tests, the extract of garlic and thyme are introduced as natural compounds with high controlling potentials.

The efficiency of plant extracts of Rubia tinctorum L. (Rubiaceae) and Ferula gummosa Boiss(Apiaceae) and release of the mirid bug Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter (Miridae) were compared with Espirotermat to control sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Genn. (Hem: Aleyrodidae) in semi-field conditions. LC50 of plant extracts and pesticide for sweet potato whitefly was calculated. In the main experiment, plant extracts and pesticides were sprayed on tomato plants in cages covered with mesh fabric. LC50 values of pesticides and plant extracts were sprayed on plants. Nymph of mirids was hanged to plant tomatoes. Subsequent days after treatment, number of sweet potato whitefly was counted. The experiments were carried out at 25 ±5 °C, 50±5 RH and photoperiod of 16:8 h (L:D). LC50 of R. tinctorum and F. gummosa extracts as well as Espirotermat was 22.359, 45.641 and 0.404 mg/ml, respectively. Post density decreased R. tinctorum and F. gummosa extracts, Spirotermat and the mird bug 86.54, 83.73, 89.16 and 87.67 percent pf egg stage, 80.20, 76.28, 82.56 and 79.38 percent of nymphal stage, 80.66, 75.26, 85.89 and 81.86 percent of total immature stages as well as 81.89, 79.49, 84.85 and 81.98 of total nymphal stages. Findings from experiments could be promising for further studies on plant extract of Rubia tinctorum and the mirid bug as on alternative to chemical pesticides in natural conditions.

The date palm spider mite, Oligonychus afrasiaticus (MCG.), is one of the important pests of date palm in the south of Iran where the application of a wide range of chemical acaricides by growers adversely affects the quality of harvest. Acaricidal activity of water extracts from Azadirachta indica A. Juss and Melia azedarach L., on adult O. afrasiaticus, was evaluated and compared with a commerical formulation of A. indica (Neemgold) under laboratory condition. Additive effect of the essential oil of Salvia mirzayanii Rech. f. & Esfand on these plant extracts was studied through dipping the date fruits in the extracts. Both plants showed acaricidal activity against O. afrasiaticus and the LC50 were 0.06% (commercial Neemgold), 2.23% (A. indica) and 3.25% (M. azedarach). The additive effect of S. mirzayanii in combined application with palnt extracts against O. afrasiaticus was observed as well.

Rhopalosiphum padi L. (Hem.: Aphididae) is one of the most important pests damaging cereals specially wheat and lowering the quality and quantity of the production directly and indirectly each year. In this study, the toxicity effect of two extracts of Rubia tinctorum L. (Rubiaceae) and Lawsonia inermis L. (Lythraceae) is compared with two conventional insecticides, imidacloperid and pirimicarb. The study was conducted in petri dish of 8 centimeter diameter using a completely randomized design with five different concentrations for each set with four repetitions on 15 adult insects of R. padi L. (Hem.: Aphididae) 25±2 degree Celsius, relative humidity of 70±5 percent and in photoperiodic of 16 hours lightness and 8 hours darkness. All biometric studies were performed on similar and identical leaves of barley with the method of leaf immersion. The number of dead insects was counted after 24 hours. The results indicated that the insecticide imidaclorperide with fatal effects of 50%, 0.0318 and the methanol extract of henna L. inermis L. with fatal effects of 469.532 micro liter per milliliter were the most and least effective, respectively. Comparison of the results revealed that the extracts of the two plants, especially methanol extract of madder (R. tinctorum L.) with insecticide imidaclorperide and pirimicarb, have especial toxic potential to control the above said insect. Accordingly, as the extracts had less potential insecticidal potential, they should be used in conjunction with other methods.

Tobacco Sore Shin disease، Rhizoctonia solani is one of the important agent with worldwide and causes yield losses in tobacco growing countries. This research has conducted with two targets، the study of antifungal activity of plant extracts on this pathogen and screened the best solvent to extract. In this study، crude extracts of 9 plant species including: Catmint (Nepeta Cataria)، tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)، thyme (Thymus pubescens)، Fennel (Foeniculum vulgar)، Nepeta (Mentha pulegium)، hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)، Blam (Melissa angustifolious)، Salvia (Salvia verticilata) and Badrashbi (Dracocephalum kotschyi) by using solvents، water، acetone، hexane، ethanol، and methanol were obtained. Antifungal activity of this compound، were tested using poisoned food method with concenterations of 0. 1000 and 2000 ppm invitro landifious. Results indicated that crude extracts of Tobacco، Catmint، Thyme، Fennel، Hyssop and badrashbi have remarkable antifungal activity. Methanol was the best solvent to extract these compounds. Minimum inhibitory concentration of methanol extract of Tobacco، Catmint، Thyme، Fennel، badrashbi، and Hyssop were equal to 1. 5، 1. 5، 2، 3، 3، and 2. 5 mg/ml، respectively when on this fungal pathogens. Therefore، it is likely possible to use plant extracts of these plants، especially N. cataria، N. tabacum and T. pubescens، for the control of tobacco sore shine disease.

The sweetpotato whitefly، Bemisia tabaci Genn. (Hemoptera: Aleyrodidae) is a worldwide economic pest both in the field and in the greenhouse. In this study، the efficiency of plant extracts of Fumaria parviflora (Lam.) (Fumariaceae) and Teucrium polium (L.) (Lamiaceae) and release of green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea (Steph.) eggs were compared with pymetrozin pesticide to control this pest in semi-field conditions. LC50 of plant extracts and pesticide for sweet potato whitefly were calculated by bioassay test. In the original experiment، plant extracts and pesticides were sprayed on tomato plants in cages that were covered with mesh fabric. Cardboard chamber containing lacewing eggs was hanged to plant tomatoes. Various days after applying control methods، sweetpotato whitefly populations were counted. The experiments were carried out at 25 ±5 °C، 50±5 RH and photoperiodism of 16:8 h (L: D). T. polium and F. parviflora extracts and pymtrozin LC50 was respectively 82. 629، 23. 002 and 0. 118 mg/ml. Comparison of different control methods efficacy indicated efficacy of F. parviflora and T. polium extracts، pymetrozin and green lacewing was respectively 86. 91، 83. 51، 84. 29 and 54. 26 percent to control egg stage، 81. 39، 79. 68، 78. 05 and 52. 40 percent in controlling nymphal stage، 82. 76، 77. 31، 78. 12 and 44. 99 percent to control total immature stages and 83. 01، 81. 07، 79. 00 and 64. 20 in controlling of total nymphal stages. Results of efficacy experiments could be an introduction for further studies to replace the herbal extract rather than chemical pesticides in natural conditions.

Demographic toxicology is a common method for investigation on the sub lethal effects of pesticides on natural enemies. The side effects of plant extracts from root of madder (Rubia tinctorum L.)، seeds of dill (Aniethum graveolens L.) and seeds of Galbanum (Ferula gummosa Boiss.) in comparision with thiamethoxam were evaluated on life table parameters of C. carnea as Agonoscena pistaciae predator، under laboratory conditions at 25± 2، 65± 5% RH and 16:8 (L: D) photoperiod. The first instar larvae were assayed using Potter Spray Tower method.. Results showed significant differences (p≤0. 01) among treatments for gross reproductive rate (GRR)، net reproductive rate (R0 or NRR)، intrinsic rate of increase (rm)، finite rate of increase (λ) and mean generation times (T). The highest to lowest of gross and net reproductive rate were observed in A. graveolens، R. tinctorun، thiamethoxam and F. gummosa parviflora، respectively. The maximum intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and finite rate of increase (λ) were observed in A. graveolens and R. tinctorun and minimum in thiamethoxam. Thus، the immunity was observed in A. graveolens and R. tinctorun respectively while thiamethoxam and F. gummosa showed the highest inhibiting effect on stable population growth parameters. Two extracts، A. graveolens and R. tinctorun were the best choices، because of their immunity on C. carnea as a biological control agent.

In this research, the effect of (spinach, capsicum, beet, turnip and radish) extracts the preventive and curative control of cucumber powdery mildew in greenhouse tests was investigated for. The acetonic, methanolic or water extracts of leaf tissues of each plant at concentrations one and 5% (w/v) was sprayed on the plants at either one day before, or 1 day after the plant inoculation with spore suspension of pathogen. Disease severity was evaluated based on the number of disease spots per leaf ten days after inoculation. The effectiveness of this extracts was also compared with Penconazole fungicide and Reynoutria sachalinensis (Rs) extract, two commercial compounds for the control of disease. Results showed that all tested extracts reduced the disease severity on the treated leaves, but in varying degrees. In comparison with Rs, the acetonic extracts of pepper and beet, and the methanolic extracts of spinach and turnip at the concentration of 5% showed relative effectiveness in prevention of disease. On the other hand, the methanolic extract of turnip at the concentration of 5% showed the highest curative effect and its curative efficacy was the same as penconazole. Also, the most effective time for application of extracts of spinach and Rs was 24 hours before pathogen inoculation, the application of extracts of pepper and turnip at 24 hours after pathogen inoculation, was more effective for the control of disease. Thus, application time and concentration and kind of solvent influence the efficacy of the extracts.

Demographic toxicology is a common method for an investigation of the sub lethal effects of pesticides on natural enemies. The present study was conducted to evaluate the side effects of the extracts of Calotropis procera (Willd.) R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae), Teucrium polium L. (Labiatae), Fumaria parviflora Lam. (Fumariaceae) and Thymus vulgaris L. (Labiatae) in comparison with three pesticides: Hexaflumuron, Pymetrozin and Spirodiclofen on life table parameters of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) under controlled conditions. One hundred and fifty four fresh eggs were treated through dipping method. Results showed significant differences (p≤0.01) among treatments for Gross Reproductive Rate (GRR), net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (rm), finite rate of increase (λ), intrinsic birth rate (b) and Doubling Time (DT), while it showed no significant difference for intrinsic death rate (d) and mean generation time (T) parameters. The highest to lowest gross reproductive rates were observed in Pymetrozin, Spirodiclofen, T. polium, C. procera, T. vulgaris, hexaflumuron and F. parviflora respectively. The maximum of net reproductive rate, finite rate of increase and intrinsic birth rate were observed in Pymetrozin while a minimum in F. parviflora. Thus, the immunity was observed in pymetrozin, C. procera, T. polium and T. vulgaris respectively while Hexaflumuron and T. vulgaris showed the highest inhibiting effect on stable population growth parameters. Two extracts C. procera and T. polium are the most suitable choices, because of their immunity on C. carnea as a biological control agent.

Functional response in natural enemies is affected not only by host and natural enemy characteristics but also، the application of pesticide to pest population can affected the parameters of functional response as well as efficiency of natural enemy. In this research، the side effects of two pesticides، hexaflumuron and pymetrozin and also acaricide spirodiclofen and plant extracts، Caiotropis procera (Willd.) R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae)، Teucrium polium (Labiatae)، Fumaria parviflora Lam. (Fumariaceae) and Thymus vulgaris L. (Labiatae) were studied on functional response of 3rd instars larvae of Chrysoperla carnea at 26±1oC، 60±5% RH and 16:8 (L: D). Different densities levels (2، 4، 8، 16، 32، 64 and 100) of the 5th instars of common pistachio psylla nymphs Agonoscena pistaciae were placed on pistachio leaf disc with 65 mm diameter. Treatment of larvae were carried out using dipping method by maximum recommended field rates for pesticide and selected concentration of plant extracts (750 µl/ml). Functional response type was determined using logistic regression and the parameters، searching efficiency (a) and handling time (Th) were estimated by non-linear regression using SAS software. Functional response was type III in F. parviflora treatment and type II in others. Functional response in T. vulgaris was not diagnosed. The lowest and the most searching efficiency were in C. procera treatment (0. 0377) and control (0. 1209) respectively. Handling time was the lowest in C. procera treatment (0. 00177 h-1) and the most in hexaflumuron (0. 3132 h-1). It could be concluded that pesticide and plant extracts can affect the predation value and functional response of C. carnea to common pistachio psylla. This effect to control، sometimes as a functional response III and loss of searching efficiency is positive.

One of the most important pests in the warehouses is the flour moth Ephestia kuhniella (Zel.) (Lep.، Pyralidae). Regarding the high degree of damage of stored product pests and dangerous effects of the chemical control، using plant extracts and their components are some of the best approaches to control these pests. Therefore an investigation was carried out to find the insecticidal effects of Populus alba (Salicaceae) and Populus nigra (Salicaceae) extracted in acetone، hexane،alcohol and water on the flour moth larva. The plants were identified in the Center of Agricultural Research in Hamedan province and their extracts were produced in the solvents. At 100% concentration، the watery extract of P. alba had the highest insecticidal effect with the mean of 54. 66 percent. After that the watery extract of P. nigra and acetone extract of P. alba had the highest effect with means of 31. 48 and 28. 23 percent، respectively. Also hexane extract of P. alba and P. nigra at 100% concentration، water and acetone extract of P. alba had repellent effect on the last instar larvae. These findings reveal that only the watery extract of poplar has insecticidal effect. This shows its potential to be used as an effective insecticide and repellent material.