Abstract
In this study, the effect of six endemic plants’ extracts (i.e. Satureja sahendica, S. khuzistanica, Scrophularia striata, Thymbra
spicata, Oliveria decumbens and Vitex agnus castus) as well as commercial insecticide (Acetamiprid: Mospilan®) was
investigated against Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and some physiological responses in cucumber as host plants.
The plant extracts and Acetamiprid as chemical pesticide were sprayed on the plants with 250, 500 and 1000 ppm
concentrations. All the extracts exhibited significantly different mortality of adults as compared with the control. The extracts
of O. decumbens showed the high mortality percentage of adult population as compared with other treatments. Results showed
that the application of extracts and pesticide, especially in high concentrations, showed negative effects on plant and
significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and chlorophyll, proline and carbohydrate accumulation in
cucumber leaves. Moreover, foliar spray with low concentrations of extract (250 and 500 ppm) enhanced cholorophyll content
and decreased MDA and proline accumulation compared with control and Acetamiprid treated plants. It was concluded that
these six extracts could be used as effective and environmentally sustainable bio-insecticides for the control of B. tabaci (B
biotype) without any adverse effects on host plants
