Control of Tetranychus urticae Koch by Thyme, Lavender and Eucalyptus Essential Oils

Abstract

Two spotted spider mite (TSSM), <em>Tetranychus urticae </em>Koch, is an important pests on bean in Markazi Province (center of Iran). To evaluate the bioacaricidal activity of extracts of three essential oils of thyme (<em>Thymus vulgaris</em>), lavender (<em>Lavandula officinalis</em>) and eucalyptus (<em>Eucalyptus camaldulensis</em>) against <em>T. urticae </em>on cherry bean (<em>Vigna unguiculta </em>subsp<em>. sinensis</em>), five different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%) were used, during 2009-2011. The type of design was randomized complete block design with four replications. The results showed that lavender revealed the most acaricidal properties against <em>T. urticae</em> followed by thyme and eucalyptus. The LC₅₀values of lavender, thyme and eucalyptus for adult mites were 0.65, 1.84 and 2.18, respectively. Our findings revealed that essential oils of thyme, lavender and eucalyptus possess acaricidal activity against two spotted spider mite on cherry bean.