~ 294 ~  Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies 2015; 3(6): 294-297 E-ISSN: 2320-7078 P-ISSN: 2349-6800 JEZS 2015; 3(6): 294-297 © 2015 JEZS Received: 17-10-2015 Accepted: 21-11-2015 Amel Ben Hamouda Institute of the Olive Tree, Station of Sousse, 40, Rue Ibn Khouldoun 4061 Sousse, Tunisia. Olfa Boussadia Institute of the Olive Tree, Station of Sousse, 40, Rue Ibn Khouldoun 4061 Sousse, Tunisia. Bedis Khaoula Sousse University, UR13AGR09, Regional Center for Research on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture, Chott Mariem, Tunisia. Asma Laarif Sousse University, UR13AGR09, Regional Center for Research on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture, Chott Mariem, Tunisia. Mohamed Braham Institute of the Olive Tree, Station of Sousse, 40, Rue Ibn Khouldoun 4061 Sousse, Tunisia. Correspondence Amel Ben Hamouda Institute of the Olive Tree, Station of Sousse, 40, Rue Ibn Khouldoun 4061 Sousse, Tunisia. Studies on insecticidal and deterrent effects of olive leaf extracts on Myzus persicae and Phthorimaea operculella Amel Ben Hamouda, Olfa Boussadia, Bedis Khaoula, Asma Laarif, Mohamed Braham Abstract In the present study, methanol, acetone and petroleum ether extracts of olive leaves were investigated for their insecticidal activity against Myzus persicae and deterrent effect on Phthorimaea operculella under laboratory conditions. Different concentrations 0.1%, 1% and 10% were implemented in the experiment. The results revealed that acetone and methanol extracts caused 100% mortality of M. persicae at 10%. Tests on P. operculella generated a very pronounced deterrence of oviposition and larval penetration at 10%. Data indicate that, the acetone extract proved to be most deterrent against larval penetration at 10 % in comparison with other tested extracts and concentrations with 71.7% of deterrent index. Moreover, the highest deterrent effect of oviposition was recorded to acetone extract with 25.9%, 65.2% and 93.3% at 0.1, 1 and 10%, respectively. Therefore, this study provides first report on the insecticidal and deterrent activities of olive leaf extracts against M. persicae and P. operculella. Keywords: Olive leaves, extracts, insecticide, Myzus persicae, Phthorimaea operculella. 1. Introduction The application of synthetic pesticides has led to several adverse effects such as food, soil, ground water, and air contamination with carcinogenic, teratogenic, and highly and acutely toxic residues [1, 2] . To overcome these problems, it is necessary to seek safe, convenient, environmental and low-cost alternative pest control methods. Among the various alternatives, natural plant products that are non-phytotoxic, biodegradable and ecofriendly are catching the attention of scientists worldwide [3-7] . In fact, plant extracts have several uses in insect control. These products have also been studied for acute toxicity, antifeedant, or repellent, attractant and fumigant effects, as well as inhibiting reproduction of many pest species [8-10] . Many studies were focused on the olive tree (Olea europaea L.) and in particular its leaves showing potent biological activities [11, 12] . It is used to enhance the immune system, in heart disease, and as an antimicrobial agent. Experimental animal studies on different total olive leaf extract or their constituents have demonstrated hypoglycemic, hypotensive, antiarrhythmic, antiatherosclerotic, vasodilator, antihepatotoxic, and antinephrotoxic effects [11, 12] . In the present study, different concentrations of methanol, acetone and Petroleum ether extracts of Olea europaea leaves were evaluated for their insecticidal and deterrent activities against the peach potato aphids (Myzus persicae) and the potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella). 2. Materials and Methods 2.1 Plant extraction preparation Olive, Olea europaea, leaves were collected on olive trees (cv. Chemlali) in January 2014 in the region of Chott-Mariem. They were cleaned and dried at 40 °C for one week until crisp. Then, dried leaves were ground and powdered with an electric stainless steel blender. Powdered olive leaves (100 g) were placed in a 500 ml Erlenmeyer flask with 400 ml of different organic solvents: acetone, methanol or petroleum ether. The preparations were stirred during 24 hours at 25 ± 2 °C. Each extract was filtrated through Whatman n°1 filter paper. Filtrates were let to evaporate at room temperature during 72 h and stored in dark glass bottles at 4 °C until tested. A specific volume of each dry residue was used in the corresponding solvent to make different concentrations (0.1%, 1% and 10%).