Effects of patchouli and wormwood oils on the bioassays and behaviors of Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) (Acari: Tetranychidae)

The fumigation bioassays, the oviposition inhibition and repellent bioassays of patchouli and wormwood oils to T. cinnabarinus were determined in the laboratory with the methods of fumigation and repellency. Ethovision XT6 was used to analyze the effects of two essential oils at sublethal dosages on the behaviors of T. cinnabarinus. Based on the results, compared with wormwood oil, the fumigation bioassay of patchouli oil was stronger against T. cinnabarinus. In a simultaneous fumigation experiment, the effects of patchouli oil on the inhibition of oviposition of T. cinnabarinus were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than those of wormwood oil at the tested dosages. When T. cinnabarinus was exposed to the two essential oils at LD10, LD20, and LD30, the spontaneous movement tracks of T. cinnabarinus changed significantly, with the highest mobility frequencies at LD10. Moreover, the effects of exposure to patchouli oil on the spontaneous movement abilities of T. cinnabarinus were greater than those on movements following exposure to wormwood oil. Thus, patchouli oil is a promising candidate as a green vegetable, botanical acaricide.