Attractiveness, consumption and mortality of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in tomato treated with oil of Melia azedarach

Abstract

Tuta absoluta is a key pest of tomato, causing considerable damage. Control has been conducted mainly using synthetic insecticides. However, oils of botanical origin are promising for the control of arthropods. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects on T. absoluta of the Melia azedarach oil, also known as cinnamon oil. The oil extracted from M. azedarach was diluted in 50,0 mL of distilled water at the concentrations 1,87; 3,75; 7,50; 15,00; 30,00 and 60,00 mg mL^-1 in addition to the insecticide deltametrin 25 EC (2,5% deltamethrin in the emulsifiable concentrate) with a concentration of 30 mL per 100 L of water (0,3%) and control (water). Food preference tests were carried out with and without a choice, where the attractiveness to caterpillars was evaluated on different days after application of the treatments (D.A.A.), along with the leaf area consumed. Another trial was conducted to evaluate the following parameters: number of dead caterpillars at 2, 5, 7 and 10 D.A.A. and duration of the period and larval and pupal mortality. M. azedarach oil did not cause repellency or food deterrence in T. absoluta, but was effective on mortality of T. absoluta caterpillars.