Efficacy of Chemical and Biological formulations, and Plant extracts on the mortality of the third larval stage of tomato leaf moth Tuta absoluta (Meyrick 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in vitro

Abstract

Tomato in Iraq and most Middle East areas can be infected by tomato leave moth which contributes to reducing the total yield. Utilization of pesticides may lead to resistance problem in most of treated pests, which make the control of this difficult. In addition, chemical pesticides can cause climate pollution, and high cost if use continuously.  Thus, this study investigates the efficacy of some of chemical and biological formulations and two plant extracts and its combinations in killing of the third larval stage of the insect. Three concentrations (field dose -50%, field dose and field dose +50%) for each of chemical insecticides (Coragen, Simpleo, and Acetamprid) and bioformulation of (Bacillus thuringiensis), and the mixture of oil extraction of garlic and Neem. Result showed that there is a significant variation between the concentration of treatments, third concentration (field recommended dose + 50%) gave the higher mortality. Treatment with Acetamprid insecticide showed a significant efficacy after 72 hours which achieved 83.33%, then Coragen insecticide by 56.66%. While, Sumipleo insecticide gave the lower mortality 36.66% of the third larval stage. The combination of evaluated factors and time exposure showed the superiority of (Bt + Coragen + Mixture of neem and Garlic oils) integrated treatment by achieving mortality of 86.66% after 72 hours of treatment, followed by mixture of garlic and neem oils 76.66% and treatment of (Bt + mixture of neem and Garlic oils) by 71.65%, while the treatment of (Bt+ Sumipleo + mixture of garlic and neem oils) gave the t mortality of 45.00% only.