LAUSR

Alabama argillacea (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is a cotton pest. It is considered the most important defoliator species. It is commonly controlled using non‐selective synthetic insecticides. However, they cause adverse effects to the environment. Thus, there is a need for more sustainable forms of management. In this case, essential oils may be a promising alternative. They have proven effects against countless agricultural pests. However, there is still few information on the effects of essential oils against A. argillacea. The present work aims to evaluate the deterrent activity of essential oils of Mentha spicata, Litsea cubeba, Melaleuca alternifolia and Juniperus virginiana on the oviposition of A. argillacea and identify which compounds of these oils are responsible for this action. Oviposition bioassays were performed to test oils. Gas chromatography coupled with electroantennography (GC‐EAD) was performed to identify constituents detected by A. argillacea. In oviposition bioassays, only the oil of M. spicata showed activity against A. argillacea. GC‐EAD analyses of this oil revealed that three compounds elicited visible antennal responses, namely, limonene, carvone and (E)‐β‐caryophyllene. Bioassays testing these three compounds showed that only limonene elicited oviposition deterrence against A. argillacea. Hence, the findings suggest that the essential oil of M. spicata and, more specially, limonene may contribute to a more sustainable management of this important pest of cotton.