Tuta absoluta is the most destructive pest in tomato farming destroying fruits. It is known to develop some resistant traits against many chemicals which makes it very hard to control.
The best insecticides for Tuta absoluta are;
- Belt SC 480
- Emmaron 30SC
- Dynamec 1.8EC
- Escort 19EC
- Voliam Targo 063EC
Read Also; New techniques of tomato farming in Kenya that double yields
1. Belt Sc480
In cases of high infestation farmers are required to increase the rate of application above the recommended 4ml per 20L of water.
Belt insecticide has flubendiamide as the active ingredient.
Application rate; per 20L Knapsack-4ml, per acre 40ml, per hectare 100ml with a PHI of 3 days.
Pack sizes;50ml,1L
2. Emmaron 30Sc
Made up of the two most active ingredients; Lufenuron + Emamectin benzoate, Emmaron has shown for effectiveness in controlling Tuta absoluta in tomatoes.
Emmaron 30Sc is a product of Kenagro supplies and just like belt, it is most effective when sprayed early preventively.
Application rate; per 20L Knapsack-15ml, per acre 150ml, per hectare 400ml with a PHI of 3 days.
Pack sizes;50ml,100ml,250ml,500ml,1L,5L
3. Dynamec 1.8EC
Dynamec 1.8EC is famous for its ability to penetrate the leaf epidermis killing Tuta absoluta both in leaves, stems and on the ground surface in tomatoes.
To increase its effectiveness farmers often prefer using it with Thunder insecticide.
Abamectin, the active ingredient of Dynamec, has a broad spectrum of activity against spider mites, thrips and leaf miners.
Available packs:10ml,100ml,1L
Application rate; per 20L Knapsack-10ml, per acre 100ml, per hectare 250ml with a PHI of 3 days.
It is a product of Syngenta.
4. Escort 19EC
Escort is a natural insecticide that contains Emamectin benzoate that targets a wide range of lepidopteran insects which includes Tuta Absoluta among others in tomatoes.
It should be applied as preventive or as first signs of infestation or egg hatch peak period before 3rd instar larvae as a full cover spray. Repeat a maximum of two applications at 7-10 days intervals per season.
Available packs: 1L,100ml,250ml,500ml and 50ml.
Application rate; per 20L Knapsack-6-8ml, per acre 600-800ml, per hectare 400ml with a PHI of 3 days.
It is a product of greenlife crop protection Africa.
5. Volium Targo 063SC
It is a strong insecticide for the control of Tuta Absoluta, spider mites and caterpillars on tomatoes.
Volium Targo has two concentrates chlorantraniliprole and Abamectin.
Available pack sizes ;100ml and 1L
Application rate; per 20L Knapsack-20ml, per acre 200ml, per hectare 500ml with a PHI of 7 days.
Conclusion
Belt Sc 480, Emmaron 30SC, Dynamec 1.8EC, Escort 19EC and Volium Targo 063SC are the best insecticides for Tuta absoluta.
Aquawet or Integra stickers should be added to every spray of either of the chemicals to enhance efficacy.
To avoid losses and lower the cost of controlling Tuta absoulta preventive spraying is recommended from the third week of transplanting.
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