Insecticidal and repellent effects of Mentha longifolia L. essential oil against Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Abstract

Abstract Background Chemical control is generally used against aphids. The harmful effects of the chemicals used in the control on the environment and human health have contributed to the development of alternative control methods. The main objective of this study was to determine chemical composition of Mentha longifolia L. essential oil obtained from spontaneous plants in Algeria, investigate repellent and con-tact toxicity effect on Aphis craccivora Koch control, and assess the impacts of essential oil on development, survival and reproduction of A. craccivora. Results The essential oil showed a concentration dependent significant toxic and repellent effects. The highest effect was recorded for 8 μl/ml concentration of essential oil. The repellent effect and mortality rate in 8 μl/ml concentration were 84.37 and 80.66%, respectively. The values of LC50 and LC90 were 1.848 and 26.782 μl/ml, respectively. The effect of essential oil on immature period, adult longevity, natal period, survival, and fecundity was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions The findings in this study showed that the essential oil of M. longifolia harvested in the Tamanrasset region of Algeria has a toxic effect on A. craccivora, and can have a potential to be used as an insecticide to control A. craccivora. The use of environmentally friendly bioinsecticide will enable effective management of A. craccivora. Graphical Abstract