Control of Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Prostigmata: Tarsonemidae) Using Tea Wood Vinegar on Bean Plants
2026 - Volume: 66 Issue: Suppl pages: 243
https://doi.org/10.24349/h8mp-ax5y
ICA 2026 - XVII International Congress of Acarology, 20-24 July 2026, Montpellier
Keywords
Acaricidal activity
Broad mite
Eco-friendly pest control
Phaseolus vulgaris
Pyroligneous acid
Abstract
Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Prostigmata: Tarsonemidae) is an important pest that causes serious damage to many crops in different production systems. Control of this pest mainly depends on synthetic pesticides. However, the extensive use of these chemicals can lead to environmental pollution, health risks for humans, and negative effects on non-target organisms. Recently, there has been a growing interest in finding environmentally friendly and natural alternatives for pest management. Plant-based materials such as wood vinegar have been suggested as promising options. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the acaricidal effect of tea wood vinegar on P. latus populations under controlled conditions using potted bean plants. The experiment was conducted on potted bean plants. Seven treatments were included: tea wood vinegar solutions at concentrations of 1%, 1.5%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% along with untreated and sprayed controls (calcium polysulfide (380 g L?¹)). Each treatment consisted of five replicates with six plants per replicate (30 plants per treatment). Plants at the two-leaf stage were infested with adult female P. latus (4-5 mites per plant). Population assessments were conducted weekly for six weeks. All developmental stages of the mites were counted separately on both leaf surfaces. Applications were performed when active mite density exceeded the economic threshold level (4 mites per leaf). The experiment was carried out in a climate-controlled room at 25±2°C and 70-80% relative humidity and a 16:8-h light-dark photoperiod. The results demonstrated that tea wood vinegar effectively suppressed P. latus populations on bean plants. One week after the application, motile mite densities in all treatments declined below the economic threshold level (ET). Concentrations of 1.5%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% consistently maintained very low mite densities below the ET throughout the experiment. However, at the lowest concentration (1%), mite density eventually exceeded the ET, reaching 5.9 motile stages per leaf by the sixth week. Additionally, the concentrations of 1.5%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% were statistically as effective as calcium polysulfide throughout the experimental period. Despite this effectiveness, phytotoxic effects were observed on bean leaves, with slight phytotoxicity at the 5% and severe damage at the 7.5%. Overall, the findings indicate that tea wood vinegar has considerable acaricidal potential against P. latus. Therefore, it could represent a promising natural alternative for sustainable mite management in crop production systems. Nevertheless, its application should be carefully managed because of its potential phytotoxic effects on bean plants.
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