Bacillus thuringiensis sv kurstaki strain EG 2348: effect of formulation on efficacyagainst tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta)

Abstract: The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), is one of the most devastating pests ontomato. Severe losses due to this pest may occur on both fresh market and processing tomato.Current management strategies mainly rely on the use of chemical insecticides, but their integrationwith other control methods, such as microbial control agents, is of sound importance because ofresistance management, residue, toxicological and ecotoxicological issues. Bacillus thuringiensis svkurstaki (Btk) strains proved to be effective tools to be included into control strategies of the tomatoleafminer. In the field studies, carried out in Southern Italy, the efficacy of two formulations of Btkstrain EG2348, respectively a wettable powder (f.p. Lepinox Plus®) and a suspension concentrate(f.p. Rapax®), was investigated. The suspension concentrate proved to be more effective than thewettable powder.