Articles
INSECTICIDE EFFICACY TRIALS FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE TOMATO BORER TUTA ABSOLUTA (MEYRICK) (LEPIDOPTERA: GELECHIIDAE), A NEW TOMATO PEST IN SARDINIA (ITALY)
Article number
917_5
Pages
47 – 53
Language
English
Abstract
The tomato borer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) was first reported in the Mediter¬ranean region in 2006 and became established in Sardinia in 2008. Since little information about the management of this pest was initially available, during the first months after its introduction into the island severe yield losses frequently occurred.
In this context of uncertainty about the reliability of the measures available for T. absoluta control, we undertook the evaluation of several insecticides registered in Italy for use on tomato crops.
The larvicidal activity of 11 products was assessed on newly emerged and older larvae of the tomato borer under controlled laboratory conditions.
The same insecticides were also compared in terms of reduction of pest infestation under semi-field conditions.
In all tests spinosad proved to be highly effective against tomato borer larvae.
Indoxacarb, metaflumizone, azadirachtin, and abamectin appeared to be less active, but nonetheless effective for pest control.
The Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai product tested here was found markedly less active in glasshouse applications compared to laboratory conditions.
The results of the trials confirmed that a relatively wide array of insecticides commercially available in Italy could be used successfully against T. absoluta, together with physical, biological, and biotechnical means of control.
This provides growers with valuable tools for preventing the development of insecticide resistance in tomato borer populations.
In this context of uncertainty about the reliability of the measures available for T. absoluta control, we undertook the evaluation of several insecticides registered in Italy for use on tomato crops.
The larvicidal activity of 11 products was assessed on newly emerged and older larvae of the tomato borer under controlled laboratory conditions.
The same insecticides were also compared in terms of reduction of pest infestation under semi-field conditions.
In all tests spinosad proved to be highly effective against tomato borer larvae.
Indoxacarb, metaflumizone, azadirachtin, and abamectin appeared to be less active, but nonetheless effective for pest control.
The Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai product tested here was found markedly less active in glasshouse applications compared to laboratory conditions.
The results of the trials confirmed that a relatively wide array of insecticides commercially available in Italy could be used successfully against T. absoluta, together with physical, biological, and biotechnical means of control.
This provides growers with valuable tools for preventing the development of insecticide resistance in tomato borer populations.
Authors
M. Nannini, F. Foddi, G. Murgia, R. Pisci , F. Sanna
Keywords
active ingredients, bio-insecticides, chemical control, larvicidal activity, mortality assessment
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