Effect Of Two Control Tactics in The Integrated Pest Management On The Population Of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) ( Lepidoptera : Gelichiidae) In Tomato Fields.

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Plant Protection Research Institute; A.R.C.; Doki, Giza, Egypt

Abstract

Seven field trials were cultivated with tomato plants, Lycopersicon escolentum (Var. Alisa), carried out in summer plantation, 2014 in Ismailia and Sharkia governorates. The work was conducted to study the impact of residential and out residential block, number of sex pheromone traps per feddan, height of sex pheromone trap and some insecticides on the population of tomato borer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick). The obtained data showed that population of tomato borer recorded two peaks on April, 12 and May, 17 in the two governorates. Residential block recorded higher number than out residential block in the two governorates. The first peak presented 482 and 452 males/trap/ week and the second one amounted 520 and 198 males/trap/ week in residential and out residential block, respectively in Ismailia governorate. In Sharkia governorate the first peak represented by 479 and 421 males/trap/week and the second one recorded 511 and 178 males/trap/week in residential and out residential block, respectively. Also percentage of infested tomato fruits were higher in residential block than in out residential block presented 32.6 and 27.4 % in residential and 21.75 and 18.7 % in out residential block in Ismailia and Sharkia governorates respectively. Ismailia governorate recorded higher population of tomato borer and percentage of infested tomato fruits than Sharkia governorate and statistical analysis showed significant differences between the two governorates. Regarding height of traps, statistical analysis showed significant differences between 80, 50 and 30 cm height. 80 cm. height of trap upon plant shoot tip recorded the highest  numbers, while 30 cm. recorded the least one in the two governorate. Six pheromone traps/feddan recorded the highest number of captured males and the lowest infested tomato fruits while two pheromone traps per feddan recorded the least numbers of males and the highest of percentage of infested tomato fruits. Methomyl proved to be the most effective insecticide against tomato borer giving mean corrected mortality percentage 88.88 % and 87.53 % after three days (initial) and residual effect, respectively. Acetamiprid gave the least initial effect amounted 58.33 and deltamethrin gave the  least residual effect presented 29.46 %. Methomyl gave the least percentage of infested tomato fruits followed by Spinosad and abamectin while deltamethrin  gave the highest percent of infested fruits. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between tested insecticides and between percentage of infested tomato fruits.
The obtained data concluded to cultivate tomato out residential block, used traps at a rate  of  6 traps / feddan on 80 cm height upon shoot tip and spray methomyl and spinosad insecticides six application.

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