The effects of plant extracts on apple aphid (Homoptera: Aphis pomi De Geer) under laboratory conditions

The effects of different plant extracts on apple aphid (Aphis pomi) mortality were compared under laboratory conditions. The apple aphid is one of the most resistant pests against insecticides throughout the Central Europe. The selection of insecticide-resistance pest biotypes can be delayed by decreasing the frequency and intensity of genetic selection. This might be accomplished by applying insecticides only when and where absolutely necessary and in minimum acceptable amount or to involve methods and use different plant extracts as biopesticides. In our experiment extracts from the following plants were used: Azaron 3% and 6% (Acorus calamus), Arnicin 3% and 6% (Arnica montana), Allicin 3% and 6% (Allium sativum), Hellebrin 3% and 6% (Helleborus purpurascens), Populin 3% and 6% (Pepulus nigra) and distillate water as control. All extracts with 6% concentrations has significant effects and the mortality was high compared with control. These suggest that the chemical components of these extracts may be used as biopesticides in integrated and biological pest management control.