Chlorantraniliprole mediating the survival and behavior of adults of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in tomato

Tuta absoluta is a major tomato pest. An insecticide that acts in several phases of the pest’s life cycle can present greater control efficiency and amplitude of action, possessing greater capacity in reducing the insect population. In this context, the objective of this study was to determine the lethal concentrations for caterpillars and adults of T. absoluta and to evaluate whether the insecticide chlorantraniliprole influences the behavior and oviposition of adults of T. absoluta as well as the mortality of caterpillars. We determined lethal concentrations (LCs) and side effects in laboratory oviposition tests, and on oviposition and mortality of adults in field trials were evaluated. Plants treated with LC₅₀ of chlorantraniliprole showed a low number of eggs per plant. The toxicity was higher in larvae exposed to all concentrations of chlorantraniliprole. In the field, the number of T. absoluta adults and eggs in plants treated with chlorantraniliprole was lower than the control. Our results indicate that chlorantraniliprole has toxicity against T. absoluta adults, eggs, and larvae. Other effects on the oviposition behavior performance of this specie can help implement integrated pest management programs.