otanical insecticides for pest management in tomato grown in cultivation facilities

Abstract. An alternative to synthetic insecticides is the use of naturally occurring products, such as botanical products with insecticidal properties. Biological testing of the botanical products Krisant EC 750 ml/ha and Neem Azal T/S 0.3% was performed at the Maritza Vegetable Crops Research Institute – Plovdiv to determine their effectiveness against potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas, 1878), thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindemanla, 1889; Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande, 1895), greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood, 1856), cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera Hübner, 1808), tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta Meyrick, 1917) and two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch, 1836). These species are some of the most common economically important pests in growing tomatoes in greenhouses. The phytopesticides Neem Azal T/S and Krisant EC were applied alone and in combination. The tested plant protection products showed very good biological activity against these pests and relatively higher effectiveness over 78% shows the combined treatment.