Natural Plant Extracts Control Red Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) on Laying Hen Farms

ABSTRACT Numerous alternative methods have already been evaluated to avoid the side effects of chemical insecticides for pest control, including plant extracts with insecticidal potential. This research aimed to evaluate the insecticidal potential (using the degree of lethality (DL%) as the parameter) of different plant extracts: timbó root (Derris urucu), neem (Azadirachta indica), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), garlic (Allium sativum), Persicaria lapathifolia, pyroligneous extract, neem+andiroba, and azadirachtin concentrate. For comparison, negative control (water) and commercial positive control, Termidil 200 SC (imidacloprid) were used. Statistical analysis demonstrated the existence of three distinct groups in terms of their efficiency in controlling red mites in laying hens. The group with the highest efficiency (DL>80) includes the alcoholic extract of timbó (86.10%), neem essential oil (84.20%), neem+andiroba in combination (85.36%), and Azadirachtin concentrate (81.06%). The medium efficiency group (80<DL<60) comprised Persicaria lapathifolia (66.79%), and cinnamon (61.81%); while the low efficiency group (DL<50) included garlic (44.60%), pyroligneous extract (43.10%) and the positive control (38.50%). Based on these results, alcoholic extract of Timbó root, Neem essential oil, Neem + Andiroba in combination and Azadirachtin concentrated extract are recommended, due to their DL>80%. Garlic and pyroligneous extracts as well as chemical insecticides are not recommended due to their low efficiency. Moreover, it was demonstrated that there is the possibility of resistance against commercial chemical insecticide due to its continuous use on the farm where the insects were collected. Persicaria lapathifolia and cinnamon can be used, but their efficiency is between 60-80%.