Effect of two bio-based liquid formulations from Brassica carinata in containing red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) on eggplant

• Two entirely bio-based liquid formulations were tested against red mites.
• Formulated Brassica carinata oil and defatted oilseed meals controlled red mites on eggplant.
• Bio-based formulation effect is comparable to Fenazaquin, but less persistent.
• Both bio-based formulations are interesting as alternatives to agrochemicals.

Two liquid formulations based on Brassica carinata oil and defatted seed meal were tested as treatments to control the red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) on eggplants in open field conditions. These products were compared to a commercial chemical acaricide (fenazaquin), which is very effective, but whose use was recently limited to ornamentals in greenhouse due to its environmental risks. The application in these trials was therapeutic, the first treatment was distributed at the time of appearance of at least five mobile mites (adults and/or larvae) per plant. The 2-year results indicated that the application of both formulations have a clear effect in containing mites, statistically different from the untreated control. Moreover, the ability of pest control of the formulation with the higher concentrations of oil and defatted seed meal was not different from the chemical treatment. Treatment efficacy clearly decreased after 21 days, but within a preventive treatment plan these formulations could represent an interesting additional bio-based option both in conventional and organic farming.