Abstract

Different concentrations of essential oil obtained from Acantholippia deserticola (Phil.ex F. Phil.) Moldenke were assessed against Chilean agricultural pests like Aleurothrixus floccosus (Maskell), Brevipalpus chilensis Baker, and Tetranychus urticae Koch. The bioassays were carried out under laboratory conditions and both direct and residual applications were done through Potter precision spray tower test. The oil was obtained by steam distillation containing a rich fraction of alpha and beta-thujones (88.4%) and it shows marked toxic effects against pests. Indeed, a mortality of 82% and 89% was observed in both B. chilensis and T. urticae after 48 h whereas in A. floccosus over 97% of mortality was seen after 7 days. These results open the possibility to use essential oil from Acantholippia deserticola as natural pesticide.