Development of complex protection of vegetable crops from T. absoluta in greenhouse conditions

Abstract: A new invasive insect pest, the South American tomato moth, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is causing the great damage (80-90%) of vegetable crops in Georgian greenhouse farming. The complex protection of tomato plants from the pest insect was elaborated by using of biological and biotechnical means. The experiments and observations at the stationary plot (200-250 m² greenhouse, village Misaktsieli, Mtskheta region) planted by Dutch tomato sort “Rose pinkinikum” and cucumber sort “Georgian Mukhranuli”, were carried out. The biotechnical means – insect yellow traps for pests monitoring – were placed in greenhouse. Towards T. absoluta the new generation of highly efficient biological formulations – Proclaim (application rate of 0.4 kg/ha), Vertamectin Forte WG (application rate of 0.16 kg/ha) and entomopathogenic nematodes “Geo-nema”, Steinerma feltiae Georgian strains (application rate 25 million IJs/ha) – were tested. The treatment of vegetable plants with mentioned solutions was carried out two times. The biological effectiveness (B.E.) of formulations – Proclaim and Vertamectin Forte WG – 71.8-91.2% and 72.5-82.7%, respectively, was established. The B.E. of nematode suspension was 53.2-54.1%, while in case of chemical product Aqtara (etalon) 91.1-97.8% has been achieved. The preliminary data in laboratory and natural conditions on the based of tested environmentally safe, biological and biotechnical means, has been developed for T. absoluta complex control in greenhouse farms. The elaborated approach for complex protection will take the determined and important place in the integrated pest management system (IPM) of vegetable crops from pest organisms.