The effect of aqueous extracts of Melia azedarach L. on the development of the tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) was investigated under laboratory conditions. After hatching, the larvae were fed on tomato leaves (Lycopersicon esculentum, cv. Santa Clara) treated with chinaberry's extracts. The larval and pupal development and mortality and pupal weight were evaluated. Firstly, the trials were carried out with three different concentrations of leaf extracts (0.1, 1.0 e 5.0%), in order to determine the most appropriate one for bioactivity studies. Later, the aqueous extracts of different parts of M. azedarach were compared using the selected concentration (0.1%). The leaf extract was the most effective for tomato pinworm bioactivity studies, followed by raw fruits, branches and ripe fruits.
Insecta; tomato pinworm; botanical insecticide; tomato; Meliaceae
