Response of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) to natural products
TL;DR
The potential of natural product-based formulations as ecological tools for controlling T. urticae, a cosmopolitan pest of numerous crops, is highlighted, supporting their integration into sustainable viticulture and other cropping systems.
Abstract
The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae), is a cosmopolitan pest of numerous crops, including grapevines, where outbreaks cause leaf chlorosis, necrosis, defoliation, and yield reduction. Intensive use of synthetic acaricides has led to resistance and negative effects on non-target organisms, reinforcing the need for sustainable alternatives. This study evaluated the effects of three plant-based products (neem oil, a garlic-based formulation, and a citric acid–pyroligneous extract formulation) on repellency, oviposition, and mite abundance of T. urticae under laboratory conditions. Bean plants ( Phaseolus vulgaris ) were used as a substrate, and treatments were applied at field-recommended concentrations. After 24 h, all formulations significantly reduced oviposition and mite abundance compared with the control. Neem oil showed the strongest reduction in oviposition, whereas the garlic-based formulation exhibited the strongest repellent effect. The garlic-based and citric acid–pyroligneous extract formulations also inhibited oviposition, indicating complementary potential in integrated mite management. These findings highlight the potential of natural product-based formulations as ecological tools for controlling T. urticae , supporting their integration into sustainable viticulture and other cropping systems. Further studies should assess their performance under field conditions and their compatibility with predatory mites to ensure ecosystem balance and long-term pest suppression.