The effect of different refuitant plants against Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in tomato

This thesis was conducted to illustrate the potential benefits of companion plants in enhancing functional biodiversity and promoting plant defenses within plant protection and nutrition practices, with the aim to ensure the sustainability of tomato production system. Companion plants play a role in pests control by influencing host plant selection and population dynamics, and by providing a suitable environment for natural enemies to shelter and feed. In the study, 6 companion plants, including the French marigold (Tagetes), sesame, purslane, broad bean, lavender and dill were utilized. The effect of these plants on the growth and development of tomato plant and their efficacy against the cotton mealybug was investigated. Laboratory studies, field studies and olfactometer experiments were conducted to evaluate these effects. The thesis studies revealed that sesame has an attractant effect against the pest, while lavender and dill have both a positive effect on plant development and an inhibitory effect against the pest compared to the others. It was therefore concluded that sesame can be used as a trap plant, and dill and lavender can be used as companion plants.