Oviposition deterrence and repellent activities of selected essential oils against Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae): laboratory and greenhouse investigations

Abstract Tuta absoluta , an invasive pinworm characterized by high reproductive potential and adaptation to different agroecological conditions, cause serious damage tomato crops. Chemical control with synthetic insecticides is widely used this pest, although pesticides exhibit side effects on non-target organisms negatively impact the environment, occurrence of resistance some active substances in target pest. The use essential oils (EOs) from aromatic or officinal plants could represent environmentally safe method, alternative insecticide application. In work we investigated effect EOs Spanish oregano, laurel, basil, garlic, peppermint, cypress, eucalyptus T. oviposition deterrence larval repellency. Results showed a remarkable using garlic both laboratory greenhouse experiments. no-choice repellence tests carried 1, 2, 6, 22 h after treatment application, peppermint oregano most lasting while cypress were not effective 6 h, respectively. choice tests, at either 5 low preference for test over larvae was observed all treatments, except basil EO. promising laurel treatments where no detected. Repellent effectiveness does seem be influenced when did get chance do between treated untreated leaves. This study highlights as .