The REPELLENCY EFFECTS OF CUCURBITA MAXIMA ON GUAVA MEALYBUG (HOMOPTERA: COCCIDAE)
REPELLENCY EFFECTS OF CUCURBITA MAXIMA ON GUAVA MEALYBUG (HOMOPTERA: COCCIDAE)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46662/plantarum.v6i2.107Abstract
This research undertakes the pioneering investigation into the dilution of pumpkin oil and its effectiveness against
mealybugs on Guava (Psidium guajava L.) a widely cultivated and highly favored fruit known for its delectable taste.
Guava plants are frequently targeted by various pests, including the guava mealybug. In this study, Cucurbita maxima
oil was diluted with methanol. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the F. virgata population following
exposure to pumpkin oil derived essential oil. As exposure time increased, Mealybug populations declined. The
highest average F. virgata count (17.30 ± 3.57) was observed after 24 hours of exposure. Subsequent counts decreased
to 8.30 ± 1.51 and 4.50 ± 1.15 after 48 and 72 hours, respectively. A third application of the spray further reduced the
Mealybug population, with the lowest F. virgata count (2.20 ± 0.93) observed after 72 hours. This was followed by
counts of 1.20 ± 0.63 and 0.30 ± 0.20 after 48 and 24 hours, respectively. The effectiveness of the sprayers varied.
However, a consistent spraying technique proved crucial in reducing the F. virgata population. The essential oil
demonstrated its greatest impact on the third spray, followed by the second and first. The average F. virgata counts
after these sprays were 2.20 ± 0.93, 3.80 ± 0.88, and 17.30 ± 3.57, respectively. Comparative analysis between the
control and treatment groups revealed significant differences following treatment application. While the treatment
group demonstrated notable variations across application times, the control group exhibited no significant differences.
The persistency of the pumpkin essential oil treatment varied with dilution. Undiluted oil demonstrated the highest
degree of persistency, reaching a maximum of 85%. Dilutions iii, ii, and i exhibited mean persistency percentages of
65%, 45%, and 35%, respectively. Each dilution level exhibited unique persistency characteristics when used to dilute
the essential oil.