Systemic activity of azadirachtin on Oligonychus yothersi (Acari: Tetranychidae) on yerba mate plants

Aiming to the red mite Oligonychus yothersi control in yerba-mate, the systemic action of an azadirachtin-based product (12 g of azadirachtin . L -1 ) was evaluated in the laboratory. To assess the activity on oviposition and mortality of the mite (1), three weekly applications of the product in an aqueous solution (30, 48, and 66 mg i.a. . L -1 ) were performed. The applications were carried out in the soil, next to the base of yerba mate seedlings. After seven days of each application, leaves were removed for infestation with 15 adult mite females. To evaluate the activity in the development, survival, and reproduction of the progeny (2), yerba mate seedlings were irrigated with azadirachtin solution of 30 mg i.a. . L -1 (recommended concentration). After seven days, leaves were removed and infested with adult females for oviposition and observation of the progeny. Reduction in fecundity (from 23.7 to 44.2%), fertility (27.4 to 48.1%), and an increase in mortality from 14.6 to 47.5% were observed in females fed on azadirachtin-treated plants. Continuous feeding on plants treated with azadirachtin solution significantly reduced oviposition, pre-oviposition period, and longevity of males. In addition, the viability of the egg-adult, and the duration of the egg-adult period increased. The potential of azadirachtin for the control of O. yothersi and its action from the irrigation of yerba mate plants was confirmed.