Effectiveness of Different Formulations of Emamectin Benzoate, Indoxacarb, and Esfenvalerate Insecticides against Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in El-Behera Governorate, Egypt

Tomato pinworm (leafminers), Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a difficult to control and an invasive insect pest that causes devastating damage to tomatoes. It was introduced in Egypt in 2009 from the North African Countries. Therefore, the availability of various management strategies is essential for tomato production in Egypt. The current study aimed to evaluate the insecticidal activity of different formulations of Emamectin Benzoate, Esfenvalerate, and Indoxacarb against T. absoluta under field conditions. All tested insecticides revealed elevated degrees of control of this insect in El-Behera Governorate. The management levels were > 74% and there were significant differences among the Emamectin Benzoate insecticidal formulations against T. absoluta compared to both Indoxacarb and Esfenvalerate after 10 days of spray in both seasons 2019 and 2020. The tested insecticides were found to be effective in controlling this insect for about 10 days after the spraying and could be recommended to be among the integrated management strategies.