Survey of insect pests and spiders infesting medicinal and aromatic plants

Abstract EN

Medicinal and aromatic plants have now become the main source for medicines, seasonings, colorings , preservatives and represent the oldest and most widespread form of medication.

This study was conducted on twenty five of the most important medicinal and aromatic plants in two gardens Zoheria in Cairo and Orman in Giza Governorates.

The results indicated that presence of twenty four species of insect pests belongs to fourteen families and five orders.

Moreover, eighteen species of spiders belong to nine families and one order (Araneae) were recorded.

All these insect pests were presented in low to medium numbers causing moderate damage.

From Zoheria garden the largest number of insect pests belonging to orders, Hemiptera, Thysanoptera and Lepidoptera were recorded on sweet marjoram, mints, Jasminum azoricum and rosemary.

The dominant spider families recorded with largest number of species .

These are : Philodromidae and Theridiidae on jasmine flower, lavender and night-blooming jasmine at Zoheria garden whereas, the same families was dominant on rose, rose geranium and chamomile at Orman garden.

The dominant insect orders Hemiptera, Thysanoptera, Diptera and Lepidoptera were recorded on rose, sweet basil and calendula at Orman garden.