Botanical oils efficacy against the cassava whitefly, Bemisia tabaci

Botanical oil extracts could possibly be used for the management of whiteflies and other pests. This study r aimed to evaluate the efficacy of selected essential oils against the cassava whitefly, B. tabaci and test effect on its feeding behaviour. Patchouli essential oil treatment was the most effective at repelling whiteflies in no choice and choice experiments with 14 – 85% of whiteflies being repelled. Oviposition was also reduced in patchouli by 50 – 89%. Neem was found to be effective at reducing oviposition, nymph, and adult emergence by 50, 70, and 80% respectively in a screenhouse no choice experiment.