Effectiveness of bio-insecticides and mass trapping based on population fluctuations for controlling Tuta absoluta under greenhouse conditions in Albania

Abstract

Tuta absoluta is a major pest of tomato crops that causes high yield losses. Cultivated areas in Albania have reported high levels of infestations despite the application of control measures. The present study aims to describe population fluctuations of T. absoluta during tomato cultivation for three consecutive years in the winter–summer growing season under greenhouse conditions. Delta traps baited with pheromones were used to monitor the population fluctuations, and the appropriate treatment period was determined. The effectiveness of mass trapping, Indoxacarb and Bacillus thuringiensis treatments at maintaining the pest populations below the economic injury level was tested. Even under greenhouse conditions, the population levels were high during spring and peaked in summer. The infestation rate increased by up to 85% on leaves and fruit. The application of Bt, Indoxacarb, and mass trapping reduced the infestation rate on fruits by approximately 29%, 43% and 52%, respectively, which represented significant differences in effectiveness. In conclusion, the results indicate that performing an intervention that includes combined methods in the proper period might reduce the infestation rate from 80-95%.