Determination of the effect of some plant extarcts on bemisia tabaci (genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

Bemisia tabaci is a polyphagous pest known to cause significant economic damage to cotton fields, fruit crops, vegetables and various field crops. Whitefly adults and larvae suck the plant sap, causing the plant to weaken. When the pest is intense, development stops. The holding capacity of the weak plant, which is the basis for the product, decreases, the weight of the cocoon decreases as the growth of the cocoons is not complete. This causes a decrease in productivity. As a result of the damage caused by B. tabaci, the first method used by the producers in the fight against these entomological problems is the chemical control method. However, due to the negative effects of chemical control method on human and environmental health, in recent years, alternative control methods have begun to be developed. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of some plant-based extracts (Nerium oleander L. Melia azadirachta L., Euphorbia peplis L. and Azadirachta indica A. Juss) that may be an alternative to the use of synthetic chemicals in the control of B. tabaci and are likely to be used in the control of this pest. Spraying and dipping method applications were carried out. All studies were carried out under controlled conditions (relative humidity 65 ± 5%, ambient temperature 25 ± 1 °C and lighting 16:8 hours A:K). It was found that the highest mortality rates of B. tabaci eggs, which were applied spray and dip method, were Azadirachtin, M. azadirachta, E. peplis and N. oleander, respectively.