Evaluating the Efficacy of Different Insecticides against Tomato Leaf Miner

Abstract

The tomato crops grown throughout the world, tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are a significant vegetable crop because of their high nutritional value and financial worth. It is grown in a variety of agro climatic condition and greatly boosts farmers' earnings. However, insect pests, especially the South American tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), which significantly reduces yield worldwide, severely restrict its production. This study assessed the efficacy of different synthetic pesticides in controlling T. absoluta infestation on tomato crops, taking into account its enormous potential for damage. The synthetic insecticides i.e., Talstar 10 EC (Bifenthrin), Coragen (Chlorantraniliprole) and Nexicor (Emamectin banzoate) along with untreated control were used in the study. Two sprays were performed in the study as data was taken on percentage reduction in T. absoluta infestation on leaves and fruits of tomato using Henderson-Tilton’s formula (1955).  Data were gathered prior to spraying, at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours, as well as one week following pesticide application, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five replications. All of the pesticides that were tested were found to be effective, with Talstar and Coragen being the most effective. The outcomes of the second spray were superior to those of the first. T. absoluta infestation on leaves decreased by 86.46% within 24 hours of Talstar application following the second spray, and it reached 93.22% after a week. Nexicor was the least effective at that time, whereas Coragen exhibited a decrease from 73.54% to 81.17%. Infestation reduction of 60.15%. After a week, Talstar (93.55%) showed the greatest infestation reduction on tomato fruits, followed by Coragen (80.31%) and Nexicor (65.16%). These results demonstrate the efficacy of synthetic pesticides in managing T. absoluta, with Coragen and Talstar emerging as the most dependable choices. Farmers can limit crop losses and lower infestation levels by implementing them into integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.