Author: Sarbani Roy, Chandra Ghosh, Azariah Babu & Somnath Roy
Citation: Roy, Sarbani, et al. "Evaluation of certain ferns as potential biopesticide for the management of tea red spider mite, Oligonychus coffeae Nietner (Acarina: Tetranychidae)." International Journal of Tropical Insect Science (2025): 1-9.
Abstract:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42690-025-01510-x
Water-based extracts derived from easily available pteriodophytic weed flora (ferns) in the tea gardens of Northeast India, like Microlepia speluncae (L.) T. Moore, Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw., Pteris semipinnata L., and Thelypteris palustris Schott, were evaluated against red spider mites, a major pest of tea in both laboratory and field conditions. Ferns extracts showed decreasing acaricidal properties in the following order: M. speluncae > T. palustris > P. semipinnata > D. esculentum. The extract of M. speluncae and T. palustris, reduced mite populations by 33–59%, when used at 5% and 7.5% concentrations outperforming commercial neem formulations in the field trial. The foliar sprays exhibited no phytotoxicity on the tea bushes. The organoleptic evaluation found the made tea samples to be free of taint. The leaf infusions and liquor strength scored 5–6.5 on a 10-point scale. GC-MS analysis was done so as to determine the phyto-chemicals present in M. speluncae and T. palustris. The most significant compound found in the analysis was hexadecanoic acid, which is basically a soap concentrate insecticide and acaricide intended for the control of soft-bodied bugs. The feasibility of including M. speluncae and T. palustris in and around tea plantations of the northeastern region in the current integrated pest management program is also discussed.
Author: Sarbani Roy, Chandra Ghosh, Azariah Babu & Somnath Roy
Citation: Roy, Sarbani, et al. "Evaluation of certain ferns as potential biopesticide for the management of tea red spider mite, Oligonychus coffeae Nietner (Acarina: Tetranychidae)." International Journal of Tropical Insect Science (2025): 1-9.
Abstract:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42690-025-01510-x
Water-based extracts derived from easily available pteriodophytic weed flora (ferns) in the tea gardens of Northeast India, like Microlepia speluncae (L.) T. Moore, Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw., Pteris semipinnata L., and Thelypteris palustris Schott, were evaluated against red spider mites, a major pest of tea in both laboratory and field conditions. Ferns extracts showed decreasing acaricidal properties in the following order: M. speluncae > T. palustris > P. semipinnata > D. esculentum. The extract of M. speluncae and T. palustris, reduced mite populations by 33–59%, when used at 5% and 7.5% concentrations outperforming commercial neem formulations in the field trial. The foliar sprays exhibited no phytotoxicity on the tea bushes. The organoleptic evaluation found the made tea samples to be free of taint. The leaf infusions and liquor strength scored 5–6.5 on a 10-point scale. GC-MS analysis was done so as to determine the phyto-chemicals present in M. speluncae and T. palustris. The most significant compound found in the analysis was hexadecanoic acid, which is basically a soap concentrate insecticide and acaricide intended for the control of soft-bodied bugs. The feasibility of including M. speluncae and T. palustris in and around tea plantations of the northeastern region in the current integrated pest management program is also discussed.