IN VITRO EVALUATION OF THE INSECTICIDAL EFFECT OF LOROCO LEAF EXTRACT (Fernaldia pandurata) ON WHITE MITE (polyphagotarsonemus latus)

  SUMMARY

This research was carried out in the chemistry laboratory of the Rafael Landívar University, campus "San Luis Gonzaga, S.J." of Zacapa, for five months from January to May 2023, with the aim of evaluating the insecticidal effect of the extract of loroco leaf (Fernaldia pandurata) on white mite (polyphagotarsonemus latus). 

A completely randomized experimental design was used, consisting of seven treatments and four replications, evaluating five concentrations of loroco extract (100 ppm, 150 ppm, 200 ppm, 250 ppm and 300 ppm lauric acid), the results show that the five concentrations of loroco leaf extract (Fernaldia pandurata) have an insecticidal effect, thus presenting mortality percentages above 50% on white mite, being the concentration of 300 ppm the one that obtained the highest percentage of mortality, being 90%, thus equaling the chemical control who presented the same percentage as said concentration, it is recommended to carry out a field investigation with the dose of the extract 300 ppm of lauric acid, which equaled the chemical control on white mite, to evaluate the form of application in the field and perform a cost-benefit analysis when applying this product in crops, and provide an alternative to incorporate into the integrated pest management of farmers.