Efecto del extracto de higuerilla (Ricinus communis L.) sobre mosca blanca en cultivo de melón

Abstract

The intensive use of insecticides in cucurbit crops has increased environmental and health risks, promoting the search for botanical alternatives. The objective was to evaluate the ethanolic extract of Ricinus communis on the population density of Bemisia tabaci in Cucumis melo L. under field conditions in the Comarca Lagunera, Mexico. Concentrations of 5, 10 and 20%, plus a control, were applied using a randomized block design with four replications. Live individuals were quantified at 3, 6 and 24 h, and at 3 and 6 days after each application for seven weeks. Analysis of variance indicated a significant effect of concentration and time (p ≤ 0.05). The 20% concentration significantly reduced population density during the first 3-6 h after application, without affecting fruit weight, diameter or soluble solids. These findings support its potential as a botanical alternative in agroecological pest management programs.