Integrated pest control management of Tuta absoluta (tomato leafminer) on tomato crops under high plastic tunnels

Abstract

Tuta absoluta (tomato leafminer) (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is considered one of the main pests of tomato crops globally and since 2009, it represents a potential danger for tomato crops under high plastic tunnels in Romania. The attack is manifested through mines and galleries produced by young larvae in leaves, stems and fruits, in which they feed and grow. The experience done in 2021, at the R.D.I.V.F.G. Vidra, had as purpose the application of an integrated set of measures and means to control this pest (use of healthy seedlings for planting, use of insect-proof nets, dynamic monitoring of adult’s density using Delta traps and application of warning treatments for this pest control at two tomato hybrids. From the tested products those based on spinosad 240 g/l - 0.05%, chlorantraniliprol 120 g/l - 0.0175% and cyantraniliprol 100 g/l + acibenzolar-S-methyl 12.5 g/l - 0.125% had an efficiency between 68.64 and 79.96% (Prekos F1 hybrid), respectively 83.60 and 87.39% (Vitara F1 hybrid).