Incorporation of essential oil from Vitex gardneriana (Lamiaceae) in microemulsions systems based on mineral and cottonseed oils increased its bioactivity against a coconut pest mite

Coconut ( Cocos nucifera L.) is an important cash crop for Asia, Africa and tropical America. The coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) a major pest, inflicting heavy damage to fruits, thereby reducing yields farmers profitability . Previous research has demonstrated that high contents of sesquiterpenes compounds present in the essential oil Vitex gardneriana Schauer (Lamiaceae) (EOVG) showed potential control A. Systems stabilized by surfactants, such as microemulsions (MEs), are promising carry oils due their solubilization protection properties, generally allow greater spreadability, wettability have thermodynamic stability lower viscosity. Here, we compared acaricidal activity MEs containing EOVG based cottonseed (CO) mineral (MO) different oily phases. formulations were obtained through pseudoternary phase diagram using 1:1 mixture polysorbate 80 : propylene glycol surfactant co-surfactant, respectively, CO MO phases water aqueous phase. characterized polarized light microscopy , dynamic scattering well rheological behavior. Results on concentration-mortality bioassays, toxicity ME-CO was higher (LC 50 = 195 ppm) comparison with without 669 ppm). Similarly, adding ME-MO increased further 120 Moreover, LC ME than determined alone 888 mainly repelled mite. Overall, our results indicate hold controlling especially when added both • Microemulsions either or characterized. prolonged repellent effect guerreronis. about eight times more toxic from gardneriana.