Use of Essential Oils Of Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus), Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) and Neem Oil (Azarirachta indica) in the Control of Insects and Microorganisms

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of essential oils and neem oil on Penicillium
sp. growth, as well as the insecticidal effect on the survival and oviposition of the
beanworm (Acanthoscelides obtectus, Say.). For evaluation of the mycelial growth of the Penicillium
sp colonies, the essential oils of lemon grass and citronella were tested at concentrations
of 0; 0.25; 0.50 and 1% v/v. While neem oil was tested at concentrations of 0.0; 0.5; 1.0;
2.0; 3.0; 4.0; 5.0 and 6.0% v/v. For the experiment with insects, 10 g of bean pod seeds and
10 adult insects were placed in plastic pots. The essential oil was pipetted on filter paper and
embedded in the lid of the pot, using concentrations of 0.5% for citronella oil and lemon grass,
and 4% for neem oil. The treatments with the oils were effective in the control of fungi in vitro
and the oil of citronella presented a reduction in the survival of the insects.