Ethanolic Extracts from Tangerine (Citrus reticulata L.) Peels as an Eco-Friendly Botanical Pesticide for Small-Farm Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Cultivation

Background: Modern agriculture relies heavily on chemicals to ensure high yields and food security, but their overuse has led to health issues and pest resistance. Researchers are now exploring natural, eco-friendly alternatives for pest control. Methods: This study evaluated two ethanol-based formulations (12.5% and 25% v/v) derived from the tangerine peel (Citrus reticulata L. var 'Clementina') against conventional chemical treatments and untreated control in potato (Solanum tubevar. L. var. ‘Capiro’) cultivation. A randomised block design with three blocks per treatment, each containing 45 plants, was used during the wet season (February–April 2023). Results: Visual inspections and yellow traps followed weekly application from day 30 to 105 post-planting to monitor pest (e.g., Frankliniella occidentalis, Aphididae) and beneficial insect (e.g., Coccinellidae, Aphis mellifera) populations. The 25% formulation performed similarly to chemical treatments against pests but was harmless to beneficial insects. Post-harvest analysis showed that the formulations achieved 73% of conventional yields, with comparable tuber damage and Premnotrypes vorax larvae levels. Conclusions: Toxicological tests confirmed the formulations' eco-friendliness, making them suitable for small-scale Andean "chakras" for organic farming and honey production without chemicals.