The investigation of lethal and sub-lethal effects of citronellol and neem extraction in control of red citrus mite, Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) is an important pest species in the citrus growing world. Due to broad spectrum chemical pesticides applied on citrus orchards pests, P. citri became an important citrus orchard pest in the north of Iran. In this study, lethal and sub-lethal effects of two biocompatible compounds, citronellol and neem extract, were investigated on different developmental stages of citrus red mite using the potter spray tower method. The results showed that citronellol and neem had high toxicity on egg and larval mite stages with LC50 values of 245.55 and 666.94 mg/L, respectively. The sub-lethal effects of citronellol and neem extract on adult citrus red mite in comparison control significantly reduced fecundity (0.1, 1.5 and 18.03 eggs/female, respectively), fertility (0.066, 1.07 and 17 hatched eggs/female, respectively) and longevity (5.43, 5.86 and 11.83 days, respectively). The results showed appropriate control effects of biomite® and neem extract against early growth stages of the citrus red mite with an environmental protection approach. Therefore, these compounds could be recommended in the program of resistance management of this pest.