n vitro biological activity of ethanolic extracts from plants of the Meliaceae family on Diaphorina citri Kuwayama 1908 (Hemiptera: Liviidae)

Abstract

In vitro effect of ethanolic extracts of Azadirachta indica seeds, Melia azedarach and Swietenia humilis (Meliaceae) were evaluated on the mortality, repellency and oviposition of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae). Toxicity was determined by the placement of adults and nymphs on orange leaf discs (Citrus sinensis cv. Valencia) previously sprayed or immersed in the treatments. The repellency was estimated through an exposition of adults to the treated leaf, in an experimental arena for 24 h. In order to inhibit oviposition, Murraya paniculata sprouts sprinkled with 2.5 mL of solution were used. The ethanolic extracts from the three meliaceus showed toxicity on nymphs and adults; however, adults evidenced the toxic effect as of 100.0 mg/mL, while nymphs did at 4.10 mg/mL. With a repellent effect, the 100 mg/mL solution stands out, with 82 and 78% for A. indica and S. humilis, respectively; effect associated to the concentration and the time. The oviposition was affected by ethanolic extracts of S. humilis and A. indica at 100.0 mg/mL. It is inferred that the ethanol extracts from S. humilis and A. indica present potential to be considered in the development of alternatives for the integrated management of D. citri.