Evaluation of non-traditional approaches for controlling tomato moth, Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae), a new invasive pest in Egypt

Abstract

Field studies were conducted in 2013 to determine the effectiveness of several treatments in controlling Tuta absoluta Meyrick and the impact of this control on the occurrence of other pests on tomato. The tested materials were microbial agent, Bacillus thuringiensis L., pure neem seed oil, fogging system and plastic mulches. The experiments were designed as randomised complete block with five replications per each treatment. Trials were evaluated on a two-week basis. Results obtained show that there is significant effect recorded between most of the treatments. Fogging system and tunnels are the best methods mainly because of the best overall performance on the tomato leaf miner.

Keywords:

• Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.
• Tuta absoluta Meyrick
• new approaches
• integrated pest management