Repellent Effect of Basil (Ocimum spp) on Pea Aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris) and Potential Use in Crops

Abstract

Synthetic insecticides used for aphid control continue to be a threat to humans and the environment. Therefore, in order to reduce these problems, it is important to use less harmful, environmentally friendly agricultural practices. It is with this objective in mind that the choice behaviour of the pea aphid – Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris (Hemiptera: Aphididae – towards basil odors (Ocimum basilicum L. and Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae)) and the broad bean – Vicia faba (Fabaceae) – was studied using a Y-tube olfactometer. Pea aphid negatively responded to basil plants and spent less time there. The repellent activity and the possibility to use basil as an aphid-repellent plant are discussed in relation to kinds of crops and local conditions.