Evaluation of Ethanol Extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. as Acaricide against Oligonychus punicae Hirst (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae)

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Avocado bronze mite (ABM), Oligonychus punicae Hirst (Acari: Tetranychidae) is one of the most economically important pests in avocado cultivars. Its feeding causes major damage, defoliation and fruit abortion. Control measures of ABM are performed mainly through the use of synthetic acaricides. Alternative control strategies for ABM with a low environmental impact are necessary. The aim of this research was to assess the effect of different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20% (v/v)) of ethanolic extract from Moringa oleifera leaves against adult ABM females. Mites treated with 0.1 and 20% (v/v) of the extract showed mortality of 0.00% and 46.67%, 6.67% and 86.67%, 13.70% and 96.67%, at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively, compared to the control group. The oviposition and eggs hatch, as well as ABM feeding rates, depended on the extract concentration, which led to a reduction in the growth rate. The M. oleifera leaves ethanolic extract has potential to control O. punicae. ABSTRACT: Tetranychidae family is a major group of mites causing serious damage in agricultural, vegetable and ornamental crops. Avocado bronze mite (ABM), Oligonychus punicae Hirst (Acari: Tetranychidae) causes major crop damage, defoliation and fruit abortion. At present, the control of this mite depends mainly on agrochemicals. Therefore it is necessary to find alternatives to synthetic pesticides that can help minimize environmental impact and health risks for the consumers. The aim of this research was to assess the effect of different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20% (v/v)) of ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves against adult ABM females. Mites treated with 0.1 and 20% (v/v) of the extract showed mortality of 0.00% and 46.67%, 6.67% and 86.67%, 13.70% and 96.67%, at 24, 48 and 72 h, as compared to the control treatment, respectively. The number of eggs laid and hatch, as well as ABM feeding rates, depended on the extract concentration, which led to a reduction in the growth rate. M. oleifera leaf ethanolic extract has potential to control O. punicae.