USABILITY OF CHERRY LAUREL AND STINGING NETTLE EXTRACTS AS A NATURAL PESTICIDE AGAINST Ricania simulans

Abstract

Abstract

Nowadays, as a result of the unaware use of synthetic insecticides, its negative effects such as toxicity to humans and the environment and causing agricultural pests to become more resistant have been scientifically proven and new alternative substances have been sought to fight against these pests. Ricania simulans, an invasive species at the Black Sea Region in recent years, has been killing agricultural plants by feeding on them and disturbing people both indoor and outdoor environments. In this study, the usability of nettle and cherry laurel plant leaf extracts prepared with water as a natural, economical and effective insecticide against this pest was investigated. For this purpose, aqueous extracts of nettle plant and cherry laurel plant leaves were prepared and applied on young (nymph) and adult individuals of the pest. As the results of the research, it was seen that the leaves of the cherry laurel plant had a lethal effect on nymphs by 100% and on adult individuals by 86%. On the other hand, nettle extract had no lethal effect on the pest. In order to determine whether the cherry laurel leaf extract, which has a high lethal effect, is harmful to the plants, it was observed for a week by spraying the extract on the leaves of three different plants. At the end of the study, there was no negative effect on the plant leaves. To observe cherry laurel leaf extracts impact on non-pest insects, it was applied to insects that live in natural soil. After 2 weeks insects have been found unharmed. Based on the results obtained from the study, it has been observed that the aqueous extract of the leaves of cherry laurel plant can contribute to the pest control as a natural, economical and effective insecticide that can be used against Ricania simulans.