The first record of the omnivorous predator Dicyphus maroccanus Wagner (Hemiptera: Miridae) inhabiting tomato crops in the Valencia region (East Coast of Spain) was in 2009. Since then, D. maroccanus has often been found preying on the eggs of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in this area. To evaluate this predator's potential as a biological control agent, its life-history traits in the presence and absence of prey [(eggs of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)] on tomato plants were studied under laboratory conditions. Immature stages that preyed on eggs of E. kuehniella developed successfully. However, no nymph completed development on the plant without the addition of E. kuehniella eggs. To reach adulthood, male and female D. maroccanus nymphs consumed 267 and 312 E. kuehniella eggs, respectively. The net reproductive rate (R0) was estimated to be 34.52 female eggs per female, the generation time (T) was 40.48 days, and the estimated intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was 0.0868 females per female per day at 25 °C. In a second experiment, the capacity to detect plants infested or not infested with T. absoluta was studied using a Y-tube olfactometer. Female D. maroccanus were strongly attracted to the odor of T. absoluta-infested plants. In a third experiment, the capacity of D. maroccanus to control T. absoluta on tomato plants was investigated under extended laboratory conditions. Dicyphus maroccanus significantly reduced the number of T. absoluta-infested leaves in over 90 % of cases relative to control conditions. These results suggest that D. maroccanus could play a significant role in T. absoluta management. The potential of this zoophytophagous predator as a biocontrol agent on tomato crops is discussed

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is a major pest of several crops, e.g., Tomato, cotton, pigeon pea, and chickpea suffered by this insect in various parts of the worldwide. Trichocards as parasitoids regarding the different release levels of Trichogramma chilonis were used to evaluate the effectiveness against tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera as well as five insecticides with new chemistries were used to find out the comparative bio efficacy, which were relatively safer to human and environment, i.e., Capital plus (Beta-Cyfluthrin + Triazophos, 41.7% EC) 500 ml/Acre, Commando (Acephate, 97% DF) 62 g, Border (Profenofos + Lambda – Cyhalothrin, 61.5% EC) 500 ml/Acre, Polytrin C (Cypermethrin + Profenofos, 440 EC) 500 ml/Acre, Profit (Emamectin Benzoate, 1.9% EC & 90% Tech.) 500 ml/Acre. We also compared the insecticides with trichocards. There were 3 treatments, T1 Profit (Emamectin Benzoate, 1.9% EC & 90% Tech.) 500 ml/Acre, T2 (16000) of biological control agent (egg Parasitoid) and T3 (control plot). 16000 eggs of the parasitoid Trichogram chilonis, released per hectare were most effective in controlling tomato fruit borer. Out of the five insecticides tested, Border proved to be the best one, followed by Profit and Capital Plus in reducing the percent infestation of tomato by tomato fruit borer. In the third experiment, Profit gave best result followed by the Trichograma. chilonis cards with 16000 eggs per hectare. Among the tested insecticides, treatments sprayed with Border gave maximum yield (6179.0 kg/ha), followed by Profit & Polytrin C. Cost benefit ratio shows that highest net return (46.45 BCR) was obtained with Trichograma chilonis cards released plots followed by Profit. Trichocards are suggested for the controlling of Helicoverpa armigera as best substitute for insecticides. The use of trichocards practice have very effective role to protect the soil moreover, this practice may have significant role to protect the soil and save the natural resources from insecticides pollution.