Insecticidal Effects of Schinus molle against Woolly Aphids (Eriosoma lanigerum), Green Peach Aphids (Myzus persicae) and Citrus Aphids (Aphis citricidus) Under Laboratory Settings

Eriosoma lanigerum, Myzus persicae and Aphis citricidus cause significant damage to ornamental and economically important plants. They are controlled by synthetic products, some with undesirable effects. Schinus molle (Anacardiaceae) is reported to have insecticidal properties against various pest insects. This study investigated the total phenolic content of S. molle leaf extracts and their effects against E. lanigerum, M. persicae and A. citricidus using direct application and contact assays. The total phenolic content was determined at 13.65 ± 0.75 mg GAE/g. Mortalities of E. lanigerum were recorded at 40, 65, 79, 86, and 95%, respectively. The determined LC50 and standard error of LC50 for direct and contact application were 0.047 w/v%, 0.047 ± 0.006 and 0.056w/v%, 0.056± 0.011, for M. persicae, respectively, whereas, for A. citricidus were 0.051w/v%, 0.051 ± 0.006 and 0.059w/v%, 0.059± 0.011, respectively. Mortalities of aphids exposed to S. molle leaf extracts were concentration dependent and direct application was more effective compared to contact. Therefore, S. molle can be concluded to have phenolic compounds and insecticidal properties against the evaluated aphids.