INSECTICIDAL ACTIVITY OF Mentha × piperita L. (LAMIACEAE) ESSENTIAL OIL ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COTTON STAINER BUG DYSDERCUS PERUVIANUS HEMIPTERO (PYRRHOCORIDAE)

Abstract

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a crop of high economic importance; however, it is severely affected by insect pests, particularly Dysdercus peruvianus (Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae). The reliance on synthetic insecticides highlights the need for safer and more sustainable alternatives. This study evaluated the insecticidal potential of Mentha × piperita L. essential oil against biological parameters of D. peruvianus. Fourth-instar nymphs were subjected to contact and topical treatments at different concentrations and monitored for up to 28 days to assess mortality, development, adult emergence, reproductive performance, and morphological alterations. The essential oil showed concentration-dependent toxicity in both exposure routes. In the contact treatment, pure oil and 156.2 µg/cm² caused complete mortality within 48 h, whereas 78.1 µg/cm² promoted progressive population elimination. In the topical treatment, pure oil and 451.5 mg/mL caused complete mortality within the first 24 h. Development was impaired, reducing adult emergence to less than 5%. Reproduction was also affected, with complete inhibition of oviposition at 19.5 µg/cm² and reduced egg-laying in the remaining treatments. In addition, morphological deformities were observed in surviving individuals, indicating interference with normal development. These findings demonstrate that M. × piperita essential oil is a promising botanical insecticide with potential for the integrated management of D. peruvianus, contributing to more sustainable pest control strategies while reducing environmental impacts.