We studied the acute toxicity and sublethal effects, on reproduction host-killing activity, of four widely used insecticides generalist parasitoid Bracon nigricans (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a natural enemy invasive tomato pest, Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). Laboratory bioassays were conducted applying maximum insecticide label rates at three constant temperatures, 25, 35 40°C, considered as regular, high very high, respectively. Data female survival offspring production to...

Phytophagous insects differ in their degree of specialisation on host plants, and range from strictly monophagous species that can develop only one plant to extremely polyphagous hundreds many families. Nutritional compounds fruits affect several larval traits may be related adult fitness. In this study, we determined the relationship between fruit nutrient composition seven eight tephritid present La Réunion; these are known have very different ranges natura. laboratory, survival,...

Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae), the cotton mealybug, is an invasive polyphagous species that has been extending its geographic range, posing a conspicuous threat to many Mediterranean crops of economic importance. These include three Solanaceae, namely Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato), tuberosum (potato) and melongena (eggplant) all which are economically important worldwide. In this study, we used age-stage two-sex life tables investigate suitability...

The tomato leafminer T uta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) was first identified in the region of A kkouda October 2008 before it spread to all tomato‐producing areas Tunisia. introduction this pest disturbed existing control programmes greenhouses and open fields, forcing Tunisian growers use more chemicals reduce its impact on their crops. national programme adopted . , including cultural practices, pheromones, installation insect‐proof screens greenhouses, organic...

Abstract For control of the M editerranean fruit fly C eratitis capitata ( D iptera: T ephritidae), attract‐and‐kill or attracticide technique is an alternative to spraying traditional organophosphate pesticides. In this study, effectiveness eranock and AAL & K bait stations was assessed for . in unisian peach P runus persica ) orchards. Our results showed that, orchards with early‐ripening varieties, numbers males damage were significantly lower plots treated than conventional...

Reservoir host plants can play a critical role in the maintenance and spread of invasive agricultural insect pests, particularly when pest species attacks wide range plants, is ecologically plastic demonstrates high reproductive fitness. The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), fits well within this category alien pests. Indeed, moth has become, very short period, main phytosanitary factor limiting production world. In addition, it becoming potential potato...

An experimental trial of integrated pest management against Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) based on mass trapping with a density 32 traps per hectare was conducted in 5 ha open‐field tomato crop. During this trial, the efficiency three brands sex pheromone dispenser commercialized Tunisia tested. The ‘superdosed’ lure type TUA‐Optima ® (Russell IPM, Deeside, Flintshire, CH5 2LA, United Kingdom) loaded 0.8 mg synthetic more attractive to males T. , and these lures should be used high populations....

Vegetative disorders similar to those associated with the presence of 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (CaLsol) were observed in carrot plants Kairouan, Tunisia from 2014 2016. Symptoms including leaf curling, yellowing, bronze and purplish discoloration, stunting roots, proliferation secondary affected 20 40% carrots some plots. In order determine if these symptoms CaLsol, and/or 'Ca. Phytoplasma spp.' Spiroplasma citri, real-time PCR analyses conducted using specific primers for...

The parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is increasingly being used in integrated pest management (IPM) programs as a biological control agent order to suppress tephritid fruit flies of economic importance. Innate and acquired behavioral responses—such host preference—of parasitoids can modulate their efficiency the field should be taken into consideration prior species’ selection for mass-rearing. We have assessed influence medfly-infested (two...

The date palm mite, Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae), is a serious pest of fruits. Life cycle, fecundity, and longevity this mite were studied on fruits four palms, Phoenix dactylifera L. (Arecales: Arecaceae)(varieties: Deglet Noor, Alig, Kentichi, Besser), under laboratory conditions at 27 = 1 °C, 60 ± 10% RH. Total development time immature female was shorter Noor than the other cultivars. O. had highest total fecundity per female, while low values occurred...

The evaluation of two methods plant protection in tomato crops cultivated greenhouses against Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) the region Teboulba Tunisia was performed. This study evaluated use insect‐proof screens alone or combination with one sex pheromone water trap compared to a control greenhouse not equipped either. confirms that combined covering doors and aeration openings is sufficient guarantee good crop protection. system allowed low density pest (less than 2 individuals per leaf) be...

Malathion bait sprays to control medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae), in Tunisian citrus orchards is expected be phased out the near future due low residue tolerance fruits by consumers. Attract and kill strategy that encompasses mass trapping station techniques has become a widespread method for controlling medfly. Effectiveness of two methods (AAL&K® Ceranock®) attractants (Ceratrap® Starce®) was, respectively, compared with malathion spinosad Grombalia Chott-Mariem...

The biology and ecology of the date palm mite O. afrasiaticus have been studied through regular inspection in Tunisian oases laboratory observations. Results indicate that start fruit infestation varied between years by variety. Start dates ranged from first week to third July. period spent on fruits one variety another; lasting 8 weeks Deglet Noor variety, 2 5 Alig, 4 Kentichi dates, Bessr fruits. was most susceptible afrasiaticus. Mite populations pinnae remained low May December. During...

Experiments on larvicide and ovicide activity of 13 insecticides in semi‐natural conditions showed a medium to low efficacy bio‐insecticides all instars T uta absoluta ( M eyrick) except for B acillus thuringiensis erliner var. kurstaki which was distinguished by an average mortality 72.5%. S pinosad pinetoram based high efficiency controlling larvae with respectively 66.5% 85.6%. However, this study revealed unique effect azadirachtin‐neem oil insecticide 43.8% egg mortality.