Efficacy of new molecules against tomato pin worm Tuta absoluta (Meyrick).

Abstract

Tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the major destructive invasive pests spread from South America to several parts of Europe, Africa and to India. Its incidence causes up to 90% yield loss and reduction in fruit quality both under greenhouses and field conditions. Efficacy of certain new molecules viz., spinetoram 12% SC w/v (11.7% w/v) SC at different doses (30, 45 and 54 g ai ha^-1), flubendiamide 48 SC @ 60 g ai ha^-1 and lambda cyhalothrin 5 EC @ 15 g ai ha^-1 were evaluated against T. absoluta in two locations viz., Kaduchittipatti and B. Thrungipatti villages of Dharmapuri District during 2016-17 under open field conditions on hybrids "Sivam" and "Sagar", respectively. Spinetoram 12% SC w/v was effective at the higher dose of 54 g ai ha-1 with the maximum reduction of leaf (89.15 and 88.18%) and fruit damage (95.07 and 89.61%) in both the locations, respectively followed by flubendiamide 48SC@ 60 g ai ha^-1. These insecticides can be utilized for the management of T. absoluta subject to label claims for use on tomato.