Efficacy of sulphur on Tuta absoluta and its side effects on the predator Nesidiocoris tenuis

摘要: The South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), is one of the major pests crop. Since its detection in Mediterranean basin, it has been commonly controlled using chemical insecticides. However, inoculation and conservation predatory mirids, integrated with sprays selective insecticides, demonstrated to be a cost-effective strategy for controlling this pest. In work, we tested efficacy two sulphur formulations, dustable wettable powder, T. on under greenhouse open-field conditions. addition, side effects both formulations predator, Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter), were evaluated laboratory Dustable sulphur, applied weekly seedlings artificially infested conditions, significantly reduced infestation levels was have repellent effect oviposition. Wettable not effective populations experiments. trials conducted N. tenuis, only resulted being moderately harmful as fresh residue slightly 7-day-old residue; no recorded exposing predator 14-day-old residues. contrast, classified harmless tenuis. Our results suggest that use especially could considered tool management strategies, although should taken into account. implications these pest disease programmes crops are discussed.