The effect of aqueous extracts of Trichilia pallida leaves and twigs on the development and oviposition of Tuta absoluta was evaluated. Larvae of T. absoluta were fed with tomato leaves (Lycopersicon esculentum, cv. Santa Clara) previously treated with extracts at concentrations of 0.1; 1.0 and 5.0%. The effects of the leaf extracts at 1.0 and 5.0% were evaluated on eggs of this pest. Free-choice non-preference tests for oviposition were also conducted with treated and non-treated tomato leaves with the extract at concentration of 5.0%. Leaf and twig extracts affect the insect development mainly at the larval stage, increasing the length and reducing viability of this stage. The activity of the leaf extract is greater than that of the twig extract with the reduction of larval viability to approximately 20% at concentration of 1.0%. No ovicidal activity was detected with T. pallida leaf extract at 5.0%, however, the treated substract can become less attractive for oviposition.
Tuta absoluta; Trichilia pallida; tomato pinworm; tomato; insecticidal plant
