Erler, F., Erdemir, T., & Topuz, E. 2008 Fumigant toxic activity of five essential oils against Planococcus citri (Risso) (Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae).. Proceedings of the XI International Symposium on Scale Insect Studies, Oeiras, Portugal, 24-27 September 2007. ISA Press Lisbon, Portugal 322 pp.

Notes: The citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso) (Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae), is one of the most important pests of citrus orchards in Turkey. However, the pest has recently caused considerable damages to cut-flower crops grown in greenhouses in Antalya (south-west of Turkey). In this study, essential oils extracted from five plant species, namely anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), mint (Mentha piperita L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) and Turkish oregano (Origanum onites L.), were tested for their fumigant toxicity against P. citri. All of these essential oils showed a fumigant activity to varying degrees, and the mealybug mortality was dose-dependent. Based on the LCso values, the order of toxicity was as follows: oregano (0.47 ul/l) > thymus (0.78 ul/l) > rosemary (1.35 ul/T) > anise (1.59 ul/l) > mint (2.73 ul /l). The results showed that the essential oils tested, especially the first four, could be potential alternatives to synthetic insecticides for the control of P. citri on greenhouse-grown ornamental plants.