Assessing the insecticidal effect of Citrus aurantium and Nerium oleander extracts and basalt "Farina di Basalto®" as biological alternatives to control Aphis punicae and Planococcus citri in an organic pomegranate orchard

• Published in: Plant protection science 2023-01, Vol.59 (4), p.356-368
• Main Authors: Elimem, Mohamed, Jaouadi, Rym, Bouslema, Thameur, Kalboussi, Maha, Lahfef, Chaima, Rouz, Slim, Kharroubi, Hassan, Boulila, Abdennacer, Kouki, Sofien, Ragnoni, Giuliano, Pizzuti, Gianluca, Primavera, Fabio, Riccini, Alessandro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: basalt; biological control; efficacy rate; extracts; hplc; mortality rate
• ISSN: 1212-2580; 1805-9341
• DOI: 10.17221/111/2022-PPS

This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of basalt with two botanical aqueous extracts of Citrus aurantium and Nerium oleander (50g/L) against Aphis punicae and Planococcus citri in an organic pomegranate orchard. Basalt was applied as a foliar spray with two doses (1.5% and 3%), in the ground as a fertiliser (1.5%), and as a combined application (1.5%). Phenolic compounds of both plants were identified by HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS analysis. Seven and six flavonoids were detected in C. aurantium and N. oleander extracts, respectively. Hesperidin was more abundant in C. aurantium extracts; however, N. oleander extracts contained more quercetin rutinoside. A. punicae populations were significantly higher in control trees compared to the treated ones. A. punicae mortality rates reached high values above 90% for basalt and plants extracts and efficacy rates exceeded 80%. P. citri mortality rates reached 88% and 77%, and efficacy rates exceeded 75% and 66% for basalt and plant extracts, respectively. These findings may help to plan Integrated pest management strategies in organic orchards to avoid toxic chemical pesticides.