Analysis of the insecticidal effect of botanical extracts on mealybugs (Phenacoccus solenopsis)

The Cotton mealybug, also known as Phenacoccus solenopsis, poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, particularly in cotton cultivation, where infestations cause substantial yield losses. This study examined the effectiveness of botanical extracts from neem (Azadirachta indica), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), black pepper (Piper nigrum), and bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) in controlling P. solenopsis. Neem extract showed the highest mortality effect at 86.6% followed by clove (68.3%) and black pepper (58.3%). Bay leaf extract had the lowest mortality effect at 36.6%. These findings highlight the potential of neem, clove, and black pepper extracts as effective options for managing P. solenopsis infestations in agriculture.