Repellent and Insecticidal Activity of Mentha piperita (L.) Plant Extracts Against Cabbage Aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae Linn. (Homoptera: Aphididae))

Abstract

Repellent and insecticidal activity of solvent extracts of Mentha piperita leaves were tested against cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae). Petroleum ether, acetone, ethanol and water extracts were prepared and tested at 1000, 500, 250, 125 and 62.6ppm concentrations. Repellent activity of plant extracts were tested by leaf disc bioassay method. Insecticidal activity of the plant extracts were tested by topical application method. Results showed that repellent activity of plant extracts were recorded above 50% in all the solvent extracts tested at 500 and 1000ppm concentration after 24hr exposure period. In general, repellent activity of the plant extracts were increased up to 48hr and it was decreased after 72hr post exposure period. Maximum insecticidal activity of 73.3% was observed in ethanol extract at 1000ppm concentration after 24hr exposure period. The insecticidal activity of plant extracts were increased from 24hr to 72hr post exposure period. The laboratory findings conclude that Mentha piperita plant extracts have both repellent and insecticidal activity against cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae).