Lethal and sublethal effects of carlina oxide on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

BACKGROUND: Tetranychus urticae Koch, is a polyphagous and damaging pest, presenting several resistant populations world- wide. Among new and more environmentally friendly control tools, botanical pesticides represent a valuable alternative to syn- thetic ones within integrated pest management strategies. Accordingly, we investigated the lethal and sublethal effects of carlina oxide isolated from Carlina acaulis (Asteraceae) roots on T. urticae and its natural enemy, the predatory mite, Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor). RESULTS: Carlina oxide (98.7% pure compound) was used for acaricidal tests on eggs, nymphs, and adult females of T. urticae (concentrations of 312.5, 625, 1250, 2500 and 5000 !L L!1), and eggs and females of N. californicus (1250 and 5000 !L L!1 on eggs and females, respectively). Behavioral two-choice tests were also conducted on phytoseiid females. Carlina oxide toxicity was higher on T. urticae females than nymphs (median lethal dose 1145 and 1825 !L L!1, respectively), whereas egg mortality and mean hatching time were signi!cantly affected by all tested concentrations. A decreasing daily oviposition rate for T. urticae was recorded with concentrations ranging from 625 to 5000 !L L!1, whereas negative effects on the population growth rate were recorded only with the three higher concentrations (1250, 2500 and 5000 !L L!1). No toxic effect on N. californicus females was found, but a strong repellent activity lasting for 48 h from application was recorded. CONCLUSION: Carlina oxide reduced longevity and fecundity of T. urticae adults, but not of N. californicus. This selective prop- erty allows us to propose it as a novel active ingredient of ecofriendly acaricides for T. urticae management.