Mealybugs are pests that affect the vineyards around the world because of direct damage and spread of grapevine leafroll disease.
A team of researchers from the University of Udine in Italy and the The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited in New Zealand conducted the study in order to find natural products that can be used to replace chemical pesticides to control mealybugs.
For the study, the research team assessed the insecticidal activity of kaolin (a clay mineral) and citrus essential oil against the mealybug species called scarlet mealybug (Pseudococcus calceolariae) and long-tailed mealybug (P. longispinus) by conducting laboratory experiments and field trials in New Zealand. They also assessed the insecticidal activity of kaolin and citrus essential oil against the mealybug species called vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus) in Italy.
Based on the results of the laboratory experiments and field trials, kaolin was ineffective at controlling the three mealybug species in the vineyards, even though it increased mortality of scarlet mealybug in the laboratory. On the other hand, citrus essential oil decreased leaf infestations of vine mealybug in the vineyards and increased the death rate of scarlet mealybug and vine mealybug in the laboratory.
Based on the findings of the study, the research team suggested that citrus essential oil can be used as an effective natural pesticide to replace synthetic ones.
Other natural and safe pesticides
Do you have a home garden? One of the challenges of home gardening is to get rid of insect infestations. Householders and farmers came up with natural remedies to ward off insects from their plants. Here are some of the safe and effective natural pesticides that you can make at home for your home garden:
- Chrysanthemum flower tea: Chrysanthemum flowers contain a potent plant chemical called pyrethrum, which invades the nervous system of insects, making them immobile. To make a spray with chrysanthemum flowers, boil 100 grams of dried flowers into a liter of water for 20 minutes. Strain, cool, and pour into a spray bottle. To enhance its effectiveness, add some neem oil. This spray can be stored for up to two months. (Related: Natural insecticides are proven yet again to be more effective than toxic synthetics.)
- Eucalyptus oil: This oil is great for warding off flies, bees, and wasps. To use, sprinkle a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the infected areas.
- Neem: Ancient Indians considered neem as a potent, all-natural plant for eliminating pests. This extremely bitter tree leaf can be used to make a natural pesticide spray. To make neem oil spray, add half an ounce of high-quality organic neem oil and half a teaspoon of a mild organic liquid soap to two quarts of warm water. Stir slowly, add to a spray bottle, and use immediately.
- Onion and garlic spray: A combination of onion and garlic can be a great natural pesticide. To make an onion and garlic spray, mince one garlic clove and one onion, then add to a quart of water. Let it sit for an hour, then add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a tablespoon of liquid to the mixture. Store it in the refrigerator to make it last for a week.
- Salt spray: Salt spray can be used to treat plants infested with spider mites. To make a salt spray, mix two tablespoons of Himalayan crystal salt into a gallon of warm water and spray on infected areas.
Read more news stories and studies on the many uses of essential oils like citrus essential oil by going to EssentialOils.news.
Sources include:
Please contact us for more information.
