Evaluación de aceite ozonizado e hidrolato de ruda para el control de escama de nieve (Unaspis citri) en mandarina (Citrus reticulata), naranja (Citrus sinensis) y lima (Citrus limetta)

Abstract

The present research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ozonized oil and rue hydrolate as insecticides for controlling snow scale (Unaspis citri) in Mandarin (Citrus reticulata), Orange (Citrus sinensis), and Lime (Citrus limetta). The study was conducted in Patate, Tungurahua, at Hacienda San Javier. This research serves as an alternative to the excessive use of agrochemicals, which increasingly produce harmful effects on the environment, human health, and planetary life. A completely randomized block design was used, applying treatments of ozonized oil (P1), rue hydrolate (P3), and their combination (P2) every 8 days for one month, with evaluations 15 and 30 days after the final application. The results showed that P3V1 (rue hydrolate on mandarin) and P2V2 (ozonized oil plus rue hydrolate on orange) achieved the highest mortality rates at 87.42% and 86.13%, significantly reducing pest severity, with optimal doses of 5 cc/L for both products. It was concluded that these alternatives are effective, eco-friendly, and promote sustainable citrus crop management, recommending their continued use to achieve sustainable and profitable agriculture.