Untitled

Abstract

Since 2010, Lebanese tomatoes production has been threatened by the tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of six safe biological treatments (Bacillus thuringiensis, orange essential oil, pepper & garlic extract, pepper extract, garlic extract, and olive soap) in the management of Tuta absoluta on Lebanese tomatoes in organic open field conditions. Plants were treated after the first mines of this pest had appeared on leaves. We then compared the significant ability of six treatments to reduce infestation on leaves and weight loss of tomatoes fruits, in comparison with the untreated control. The results revealed that Bacillus thuringiensis treatment presented the lowest impact on tomato leaf infestation reduction and was the most effective treatment in protecting the tomatoes plants, with least reduction in weight loss of tomatoes fruits. The orange essential oil resulted as the second most effective treatment, followed by pepper and garlic extract mixed with organic olive oil soap, pepper extract mixed with organic olive oil soap, garlic extract mixed with organic olive oil soap, and organic olive oil soap. Therefore, the first two treatments are relatively effective and economically viable to organically control Tuta absoluta.