Toxicity of orange and neem oils at each stage of development of the coffee leaf miner, Leucoptera coffeella (Lepidoptera: Lynetiidae), and their side effects on predator Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

Abstract

Abstract Despite chemical control remaining the predominant strategy for pest management, the utilization of sustainable control tactics has been growing as a crucial approach to mitigate environmental impact and ensure safe food production. However, such strategies have seen limited exploration in the agricultural realm, particularly within intensive coffee cultivation. In this context, the application of botanical insecticides, such as orange and neem oils, exhibiting insecticidal activity against various lepidopteran pests, holds promise as efficient and effective control measures. The objective of this research was to investigate the efficacy of botanical insecticides based on orange oil and neem oil for managing Leucoptera coffeella (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae) infestations, while additionally assessing the side effects of these insecticides on predator Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), commonly found in coffee cultivation areas. To achieve this, we examined the impact of botanical insecticides on eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults of L. coffeella, as well as on eggs and larvae in the first, second, and third instars of C. externa. The results obtained from this research indicate that the application of botanical insecticides based on orange oil and neem oil led to a significant reduction in the hatching of coffee leaf miner larvae (75.0-97.6%). Furthermore, when applied to larvae of its predator, C. externa, these insecticides demonstrated compatibility with the survival of the natural enemy. Both neem oil and orange oil exhibited the ability to prevent larvae from hatching from L. coffeela eggs when applied to adults. In light of these findings, it is evident that botanical insecticides formulated from orange oil and neem oil could serve as viable alternatives for the sustainable management of the coffee leaf miner, a significant pest in coffee cultivation.