Preparation of a Natural Spray from Phoenix dactylifera L. and Artemisia campestris L. Extracts for Moisture Retention and Control of Aphis gossypii Glover.

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a natural spray based on hydroalcoholic extracts of Phoenix dactylifera L. leaves and Artemisia campestris L. and to evaluate its insecticidal efficacy against Aphis gossypii, as well as its potential role in alleviating water stress in mint plants. The biological activity of the individual extracts and the formulated spray was assessed at three concentrations: C1 (31.25 µL/mL), C2 (62.5 µL/mL), and C3125 µL/mL), through aphid mortality, repellent activity, and LT₅ ₀ determination.The results revealed a concentration-dependent insecticidal effect. The formulated spray exhibited the highest efficacy, causing mortality rates of 82%, 95%, and 100% after 12 min at C1, C2, and C3, respectively, and achieving complete aphid mortality within 16–20 min. Similarly, both A.campestris and P. dactylifera extracts showed significant insecticidal activity, with mortality increasing as concentration increased and exposure time progressed. In addition, mint plants treated with the spray under 50% water stress maintained better vigor and greener foliage than untreated stressed plants after 15 days.These findings indicate that the developed plant-based formulation has promising potential as a natural insecticide against A. gossypii while contributing to improved plant performance under water-deficit conditions.