Evaluation of some pesticides against the tomato borer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) under laboratory conditions

The tomato borer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is considered a devastating pest, particularly to the tomato Lycopersicon esculentum. The present study was carried out to determine the efficacy of five pesticides namely, indoxacarb, (abamectin+ thiamethoxam), emamectin benzoate, fipronil and imidacloprid against the 3rd larval instar of T. absoluta under laboratory conditions using the Leaf-dip method. The tested pesticides could be descendingly arranged as follows: emamectin benzoate, fipronil, (abamectin + thiamethoxam), indoxacarb and imidacloprid. The corresponding LC50 values after 72 h. were 0.07, 0.22, 0.28, 0.59 and 2.67 ppm, while LC90 values were 0.56, 3.25, 1.99, 4.69 and 30.29 ppm, respectively. It is clear that emamectin benzoate was the most toxic compound, whereas imidacloprid was the least toxic one. Results indicated that emamectin benzoate can be used as a good element in integrated management program to this pest.