Effect of encapsulated lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus L.) essential oil against potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella

The study reported the development of biodegradable, environment- and eco-friendly material based on natural polymers and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus L.) essential oil (LEO) for application as a green pesticide. The insecticidal effect of an emulsion composed of encapsulated LEO into a biopolymer matrix against the potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella, Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) (PTM) was examined and its prolonged effect compared with pure LEO. The lethal effect of the encapsulated LEO against the PTM was prolonged for up to seven days as compared to 48 h for the pure LEO. The slow release rate of the active compound (citral) from the encapsulated and the pure LEO was determined by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. After seven days the citral concentration in the encapsulated LEO was higher (60%) than in the pure LEO after 48 h (52.7%). The results of the slow release of the active compound correlated well with the insecticidal effect of the encapsulated and the pure LEO against the PTM.