Efficacy of some entomopathogenic fungi against tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Abstract

Background: Effects of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF); Beauveria bassiana, Isaria fumosorosea and Pupureocillium lilacinum against tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), which is one of the most economic pests of tomato, were investigated in Petri dish, pot and greenhouse experiments. Commercial bioinsecticide Met 52 was also used in the experiments. In the Petri dish trials, I. fumosorosea applied to the third instar larvae by dipping method was recorded as the most effective entomopathogen, while the efficacy of B. bassiana was high in the spray and residue methods. In the pot experiments, entomopathogenic fungi were applied to tomato plants before and after infestation with T. absoluta. Results: As a result of the applications, it was found that the EPF significantly reduced the formation of galleries on tomato leaves when applied before or at the beginning of tomato leafminer infestation. In the greenhouse experiments a registered insecticide Voliam Targo was also applied. All applications significantly reduced the numbers of galleries on tomato leaves than in the control plants, in both greenhouse trials, made in Antalya and Isparta Provinces. I. fumosorosea was the most effective one among the tested 3 EPF. Conclusions: In this study, it was determined that the EPF B. bassiana and P. lilacinum can reduce tomato leafminer damage, while the efficacy of I. fumosorosea was the highest, and especially after two applications it was nearly effective as the registered insecticide.