Etude de l’activité insecticide de l’huile essentielle de Myrtus communis vis-à-vis d’Aphis spiraecola (puceron vert des agrumes)

Abstract

Aphids are currently considered among the most harmful pests in agriculture, Aphis spiraecola is one of the most abundant aphids, especially on citrus fruits. In order to combat this pest, several so-called biological methods are based on an ecological and sustainable defense strategy, correcting certain shortcomings encountered by other control methods, while maintaining a natural balance. Essential oils and these major constituents are natural aromatic compounds which are characterized by a wide spectrum of biological activities. As part of the enhancement of the spontaneous flora growing in Algeria, we carried out this work which consists in evaluating the insecticidal activity of the essential oil of Myrtus communis on Aphis spiraecola (green citrus aphid). To meet this objective, an essential oil extraction by steam entrainment of the myrtle leaves was carried out. In order to assess its toxicity on aphids, three tests were performed : inhalation, contact and ingestion. The results obtained show a remarkable insecticidal effect of the essential oil of myrtle on aphids. A maximum of mortality was recorded from the first hour of treatment and this for all the tests carried out compared to the control batches, with an LD50 estimated at 0.017μl/ml