Determination of effectiveness of Bacillus thuringiensis preparations against Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in laboratory conditions

In this study, the effects of environmentally friendly entomopathogen Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) biopesticides on the larval stages of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) were revealed under laboratory conditions. In addition to two insecticides (spinetoram and spinosad) which used as positive control, six commercial Bt biopesticides, namely Rebound WP, Dipel DF, Florbac WG, Delfin WG, Agree 50 WG, Dacron WP were used in the study. Percentage effect values of the bioinsecticedes to the larval stages of T. absoluta were calculated according to Abbott formula. In addition, the effect of Bt products on the development time of the pest was also revealed. In the study, the highest effect was found in spinosad and spinetoram insecticides on the third day with 100%. The highest effect values were determined on the 15th day in Bt biopesticides. While the highest effect was obtained in Delfin product with 97.8 was followed by Dacron, Florbac, Dipel, Rebound and Agree preparations with 92.5%, 86.9%, 81.9%, 75.4% and 72.7% mortalities respectively. Bt products also prolonged the total development time of the pest and this period, which was 20 days in control, increased to 24.2 days in Dacron application. The results to this study can contribute to the integrated pest management programs of the pest were obtained in the study. Key words: Tuta absoluta, Bacillus thuringiensis, tomato, percent effect, development time