Efficacy of Emamectin Benzoate on Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Infesting a Protected Tomato Crop in Algeria

Tuta absoluta Meyrick became the most important pest of tomato crops in Algeria since 2008. Increasing problems in control of Tuta absoluta necessitate development of an integrated control program through a combination of preventive methods, biological control and chemical control if needed in order to keep the population density as low as possible. In the vicinity of Mostaganem, the density of T. absoluta population's increase dramatically with 50 to 100% damage to fruit production. When biological control is not efficient, chemical control can be used with selective pesticides in an integrated strategy. This study is conducted in order to evaluate the efficacy of Emamectin-benzoate against larvae of the tomato leaf miner. A field trial was conducted in tomato greenhouse during 2009- 2010. Three foliar applications were made at 7 days interval in a tomato greenhouse. The results showed a good activity on Tuta absoluta larvae with a mortality reaching 87%; but it is important to use it with a great attention when native natural enemies are working.