Could Organic Pesticides Be a Good Alternative to Synthetics in Controlling Aphids and Leafhoppers in Tomato Fields?

Abstract

We aimed in this investigation to prove that organic pesticides (neem oil and a mixture of cottonseed and sunflower oil) can replace synthetics (malathion) in controlling aphids and leafhoppers attacking tomato under field conditions. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design, during two successive seasons; 2018 and 2019 in a total area of 0.5 ha. Both yellow sticky traps and plant sampling methods were used. Data analyses revealed that the mixture of cotton and sunflower oil gave the highest control levels of both leafhoppers and aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer). Leafhoppers were much more susceptible to all the applied compounds than aphids. Oil mixture proved to be either higher or equal to malathion in its efficiency. Neem oil was less efficient on both pests than malathion. Effectiveness of all tested compounds highly decreased after 14days post treatment. The highest control levels of both pests occurred after three consecutive treatments. Accordingly, cottonseed oil mixed with sunflower oil is very promising in controlling those two pests and can replace malathion in IPM programs in tomato fields in Egypt, taking into consideration repeating the application for three consecutive times with maximum one week between sprayings. Thus, the answer to the study title according to our research is “yes they could” provided that farmers’ awareness is raised concerning shifting towards those organic compounds and training them on using such safe, eco-friendly and cost effective natural products is taking into consideration to achieve agricultural sustainability.