International Journal of Entomology Research

Authors
Shimaa F Fahim

Abstract
The acaricidal and repellent effects of fennel oil against Tetranychus urticae Koch, were investigated in this study. In addition, the lethal and side effects of the LC50, and LC90 (estimated for T. urticae females) of fennel oil on Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) and Cydnoseius negevi (Swirski and Amitai) were assessed. The results showed that fennel oil showed acaricidal activity against different stages of T. urticae. Repellent and oviposition deterrence effects of fennel oil against T. urticae were also demonstrated in this study. However, this oil was found to be less toxic to A. swirskii and C. negevi than to T. urticae. Presently, the oviposition of A. swirskii and C. negevi were not significantly affected after their females came into contact with LC50 (estimated for T. urticae) of fennel oil compared to the control. Moreover, this concentration of fennel oil appeared to be harmless for A. swirskii and C. negevi. On the other hand, the higher tested concentration of this oil was slightly harmful for the two tested predatory mites. Therefore, by combining the lethal and repellent effects of fennel oil against T. urticae as well as its slight side effects on the tested predators, the present study suggested that fennel oil may be a promising tool in the management programs of T. urticae.