1 - Phytosanitary Resources

Control Procedures
control with chemical or microbial insecticides (Salvo and Valladares, 2007).
As such, Btk may not be effective once Tuta absoluta larvae enter plant parts
(Sixsmith, 2009). Btk is registered for use on tomatoes in the United States.
Azadirachtin
Azadirachtin is the key insecticidal ingredient found in neem tree (Azadirachta
indica A. Juss.) oil. It is structurally similar to ecdysones, insect hormones that
control metamorphosis. It is thought to act as an ecdysone blocker interfering
with the insect’s ability to molt (EXTOXNET, 1995). Azadirachtin is effective
on larvae (all instars) and pupae. After ingestion, insects stop feeding;
however, death may not occur for several days.
Azadirachtin has been recommended for use as a preventive spray and for light
infestations (< 30 adult catches per week) of Tuta absoluta in Spain (Servicio
de Sanidad Vegetal-Murcia, 2008; van Deventer, 2009). In the United States,
azadirachtin is registered for use on tomatoes to control tomato pinworm. This
product has low toxicity to pollinating bees, butterflies, and parasitic wasps.
Thiamethoxam
Thiamethoxam is a newer, systemic neonicotinoid insecticide that also controls
a wide range of chewing and sucking insects. It is registered as a seed and soil
treatment, and as a foliar on a number of crops. Thiamethoxam is registered as
a soil treatment for tomato pinworm on tomato, pepper, and eggplant (CDMS,
2010).
Flubendiamide
Flubendiamide performs similarly to chlorantraniprole and is also registered
for use on U.S. tomatoes; however, the Florida Vegetable Production
Handbook recommends flubendiamide for the control of tomato fruitworm.
One difference between chlorantraniliprole and flubendiamide is that the
activity of flubendiamide is limited to Lepidoptera larvae while
chlorantraniliprole controls both larvae and eggs (Lahm, 2009). Other
differences include broader insecticidal activity of chlorantaniliprole over
flubendiamide, including control of Coleoptera, Diptera, and Isoptera, and
registration of chlorantaniliprole on U.S. potatoes in addition to fruiting
vegetables. Chlorantraniliprole also exhibits systemic properties and is
registered for soil applications.
Other Insecticides
The organophosphates chlorpyrifos and methamidophos and the pyrethroid
deltamethrin are broad-spectrum insecticides effective against a wide range of
pests. In the United States, methamidophos and deltamethrin are registered for
6-14 Tomato Leafminer 6/2011
Emergency and Domestic Programs