Potential of Organic Lavender and Peppermint Essential Oils Against Sucking Insects in Oil-bearing Rose Plantations

The present study aims to research the insecticidal effect of essential oils from organic lavender and peppermint on some economically important sucking insects in oil-bearing rose plantations.

The study was conducted in an organic rose plantation over three consecutive years. The field experiment was organised according to the randomised block design with four replications and a plot size of 18 m². Essential oil solutions were applied at a dose of 3 l/ha twice every seven days.

Regarding the control of the tobacco thrips, essential oil solutions cannot compete with the biological insecticide Limocidе^®, which manages to reduce the pest population between 88% in the first year and 92% in the third year. The effectiveness of essential oil solutions also depends on the test insect. The applied essential oil solutions show the lowest effectiveness against the two-spotted spider mite.

Phytotoxicity evaluation was limited, requiring further research across a broader range of application rates, crop stages, and environmental conditions to fully understand potential plant impacts. Additionally, essential oil composition varies based on factors such as season, location, harvesting, storage, and batch, which could influence biological activity and lead to efficacy differences.

While essential oil solutions don't match the efficacy of the commercial organic insecticide Limocide®, their effectiveness makes them a valuable addition to plant protection strategies aimed at reducing conventional chemical pesticides and promoting sustainable agriculture. Essential oils hold significant potential that requires careful research to optimize their use.