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Four organically-farming allowed insecticides, Neem extract (Oleorgan at 30%), Rotenone extract (Rotorgan at 5%) and two products of Potassium salt of fatty acid (Kabon at 50% and Biosoap at 49%), were field tested for the control of mealy aphids Hyalopterus pruni complex (Homoptera: Aphidoidea) in almond orchard in 2008 and 2009 in Tunisia. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design consisting of 5 replications each consisted of 2 trees. The substances were applied three times in 2008 (on 8 April, on 14 April and on 6 May) and twice in 2009 (on 27 March and 10 April). In 2008, a significant decrease in densities of aphids per leaf (small larva, medium larvae and apterous adults), 6 days after the first treatment compared with control. These densities remain low during 5 weeks thereafter. The effectiveness of these products was confirmed in 2009 trial in comparison with control, however, the highest aphid population suppression was found with the application of Neem followed by Rotenone, while the lowest population suppression was found with Kabon and Biosoap.

Key words: Botanical insecticides, Hyalopterus pruni species complex, almond, organic agriculture.

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Citation: Braham M, Abbes A, Benchehla D (2014). Evaluation of four organically-acceptable insecticides against mealy aphids of the Hyalopterus pruni complex in almond orchard. J. Agric. Crop Res. 2(11): 211-217.