Effects of nanoencapsulated formulation of Cuminum cyminum essential oil on Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Citrus red mite, Panonychus citri McGregor is one of the most important pests of citrus orchards in the world. Due to excessive use of chemical pesticides and development of resistance plus their increasing environmental hazards, the use of essential oils has been highly studied. But the low solubility of essential oils in water, oxidation, in addition to their instability in presence of light, humidity and high temperature has diminished their application. Formulation technology is one of the main strategies that can modify the physical properties and the viability of the essential oils in agricultural pest management programs. In this research, the essential oil of Cuminum cyminum L. was encapsulated by in situ polymerization of oil/water emulsion in nano scale and then the effects of nanoencapsulated essential oil (NEO) were analyzed against P. citri. The results showed that LC50 of NEO's contact toxicity was 743.17 ppm over 24 hours. NEO also affected mortality and decreased oviposition rate in P. citri. NEO had deterrence capacity at 300, 500 and 700 ppm. Moreover, NOE had oviposition deterrence, lowering the number of eggs per female compared to the control. Our finding suggests that high-tech formulations including nanoencapsulation technology can be used as botanical pesticides and as alternatives to chemical pesticides.