Assessme nt of the Acaricidal Efficacy of Cymbopogon citratus (Citronella) Essential Oil A gainst Rhipicephalus Sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae

Abstract

This study aims to enhance understanding of ticks, focusing on their identification through morphological traits and examining their distribution, as well as evaluating the efficacy of citronella essential oil's toxicity. Field and laboratory research was performed over four months in the northeastern part of Algeria across many municipalities (Ain Arnat, Ain Elman, and Thala Ifassen). The physical and ecological examination of ticks facilitated the identification of various phases (nymphs, adults) and the determination of sex (male, female). Adult specimens parasitizing dogs, particularly those sourced from diverse locations such as farms and barns in the region, facilitated the identification of a species within the Ixodidae family, specifically belonging to the genus Rhipicephalus. The data analysis indicated that Rhipicephalus sanguineus is the predominant parasite species at the research site. Toxicological assessments have demonstrated the deadly effects of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil on ticks, exhibiting a dose-response relationship for the species Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The application of Cymbopogon citratus essential oils induces physiological disturbances, evidenced by weight reduction in female ticks laden with eggs, alongside alterations in coloration and progressive atrophy. It also indicated a disruption in reproduction due to a reduction in the hatching rate.