Background: The physico-chemical properties along with the insecticidal potency of seven non-traditional insecticides from different classes compared with three conventional insecticides were assessed versus Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) below laboratory and field conditions. Results: All non-conventional insecticides passed the physico-chemical properties except Actra (thiamethoxam) which failed in pH test. Moreover, all conventional insecticide failed these characteristics. The laboratory assessment of the examined insecticides demonstrated that Emperor (Emamectin benzoate) and Coragen (Chlorantraniliprole) were the most superior (LC 50 = 0.26 and 0.46 mg L −1 , respectively), followed by Radiant (Spinetoram), Vapcomic (Abamectin), and Challenger (Chlorfenapyr) (LC 50 = 0.59, 0.60, and 24.07 mg L −1 , respectively). Accordingly, these most potent insecticides were evaluated under field circumstances. The levels of insect infestation reduced by 98.74 and 95.51% after 7 days of spraying for the most effective insecticides, Emperor and Coragen, respectively, while the other examined insecticides were at par with one another. Concerning the biochemical effects of the most potent insecticides on tomato plants, all treatments induced promising effect on the photosynthetic pigments. In addition, they significantly minimized the activity of the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The most potent biochemical effects were ascribed to Emperor and Coragen insecticides. These two insecticides proved again the maximum total and marketable yields. Moreover, Challenger, Radiant, and Vapcomic revealed minor differences with Emperor and Coragen of the efficiency and marketable yield. Conclusions: The results proved that the examined insecticides, Challenger, Radiant, Vapcomic, especially, Emperor and Coragen can be successfully used in the IPM tactic against T. absoluta insect.

Background: Tomato crop, Lycopersicon esculentum L. (Solanaceae), usually attacked by many insect species, including the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), where its larvae cause damage up to 80-100% by due to its feeding habits by making tunnels in all tomato parts. The influence of insect traps application and insecticides sequential as a tactic for T. absoluta management was carried out. Results: Sex pheromone and sticky traps were used for mass trapping this pest; sex pheromone traps were more effective than the sticky one; the number of caught insects was higher in the untreated plots than the treated one. Also, the general mean number of captured insects by sex pheromone traps was 432.89 and 633.40 (vegetative stage) and 691.3 and 1865.5 (fruiting stage) adults/trap/week, for treatment and control, respectively. When the first infestation appeared, the non-conventional insecticides were consecutively sprayed once/week for 3 weeks with the following order: Radiant, Coragen, and Emperor (during the vegetative stage). After that, the formulated essential oils Nimbecidine (commercial) and Rosa (prepared) were respectively sprayed twice/week for 2 weeks (during the fruiting stage). The general average of reduction in infestation reached 95.81% when non-conventional insecticides were used, while it reached 92.15% when the formulated essential oils were used. Finally, at the end of the experiment, promising mean reduction in infestation reached 93.98% was achieved. Yield of marketable healthy fruits was recorded and expressed as ton/feddan. Treatments gave significantly higher yield over untreated control. The tomato yield reached 28.25 t/fed. compared with control (8.35 t/fed.), which gain 19.94 t/fed. equal to 238.32% more than the untreated control. Conclusions: The results indicated that insect traps and insecticides sequential application as a tactic for management T. absoluta were more effective; the rotation of insecticides avoid build up resistance and achieved satisfied reduction (93.98%) in the infestation and high yield production.

Background Cotton is the most widespread, profitable non-food crop in the world. Egypt is one of the greatest countries in producing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in the world. Many pests attacked cotton which reduced the quality and quantity of the cotton yield such as pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and the spiny bollworm (Earias insulana) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Results The insect infestation increased significantly by delaying planting date. The fewest numbers of pests attacked cotton recorded in the earliest planting date (March 23rd) with highest weight of cotton yield. The results showed that the mean rates of infestation with pink bollworm were (2.11, 3.5, 2.33 individuals/boll) for March 23rd, April 17th and May 6th, respectively, while the mean rates of infestation with bollworm were (1.60, 2.79, 1.67 individuals/boll) for March 23rd, April 17th and May 6th, respectively. Conclusion It was concluded that planting cotton as early as on March 23rd reduces the rate of infestation of E. insulana and P. gossypiella and increases the population of its natural enemies as well. Then, it is resulting a significant increase in the quality and quantity of the yield of cotton.

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