ABSTRACT
Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato 'tropical lineage' (Acari: Ixodidae) is considered a sanitary concern due to its role as a disease vector. Tick strains resistant to synthetic acaricides have caused difficulties in their control, besides synthetic acaricides are harmful to the environment and to the health of non-target animals. The research of plants with acaricidal and repellent properties has proved to be an efficient alternative in tick control. The genus Tagetes spp. excels for its use as traditional pest control in households and plantations and also for its potential as an acaricide against R. sanguineus under laboratory conditions. The first aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of Tagetes minuta essential oil (TMEO) on the central nervous system (synganglion) in unfed R. sanguineus adults. The histological analysis of synganglion exposed to the different concentrations of TMEO and amitraz 12.5% (50% of the recommended dose in the package insert) showed a significant effect with signs of cell damage including volume increase, loss of shape, and vacuolization, in addition to chromatin alterations such as condensation, margination, and fragmentation. TMEO were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry showing the presence of 21 compounds that according to their chemical structure are classified as terpenoids. Among them (Z)-ß-ocimene, ocimene, (Z)-tagetone, and verbenone were found in major quantities.
