Evaluation of the chinaberry extract against the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Merick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in vitro

Abstract

Abstract The tomato leaf miner (TLM), Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a important pest on tomato, potato and other Solanaceous with a huge economic importance. The discovery of active compounds that are less persistent will be beneficial to both the environment and agricultural product consumers. Management of the pest can be problematic, especially when the infestation pressure is high. In the current study, contact toxicity of the hexane extract from the chinaberry tree, Melia azedarach L. (MA) fresh fruit on the developmental stage of egg, the 2nd larval instars and pupae of T. absoluta were evaluated in the laboratory condition, 27 ± 2oC, 65 ± 5% RH and 16L:8D hours photoperiods. Results indicated that with increasing the concentration of the extract, mortality of eggs, larvae and pupae also increased. Analysis of probit data showed that LC50 for MA extract in egg, 2nd instar larvae and pupae were 948.93, 346.72 and 1.75 µl/ml, respectively. The results showed that this extract has a high potential for controlling T. absoluta in open and closed environments and is recommended to protect the environment and users' health.