Effect of Antioxidants on Tetranychus urticae (Antioxidants as a Chemical Defense on Controlling T. urticae)

: The antioxidant salsylic acid, humic acid, and ascorbic acid were evaluated against two spotted spider mites Tetranychus urticae ( Koch). Determination of total phenol content in leaves of eggplant treated with these antioxidants at different intervals was performed. The results clearly revealed that these caused reduction in mite number. Such reduction in mites were time – dependent over 28- day exposure period to reach 88 % in case of salsylic acid – treated mites whereas the percent reduction 91 % was recorded for each of ascorbic acid – and humic acid – treated mites after 28- day exposure period. A potential elevation of total phenol content was found in leaves of eggplant- treated with salsylic acid through the last 14 – day exposure. Such increases of phenol content were found to be (1.9, 13.44 and 18.7) mg/ 100 gm after 14, 21 and 28 day of treatment compared with control value to be 5.37, 10.86 and 13.44 mg/ 100 gm at parallel intervals. The percent reduction in mites could be related to the elevation of phenol content as natural defense substances.