Biocontrol test against the leaf minerof tomato Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) by using entomopathogenic fungi in the Algerian Sahara

Abstract

Devastating insects constitute one of strains for cultivate tomato. Among these insects, tomato leafminer (T. absoluta) has been recently introduced in Algeria (2008), it constitute a challenge for both agricultures and scientists. Firstly, this insect is introduced without their natural enemies which may reduce their damage. Secondly, this species has developed insecticide resistance to many active matters. To contribute to establish a control strategy for T. absoluta we have made an inventory of their enthomopathogenic fungi. Two fungi were identified among others taken from adults and pupae. These fungi are Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium sp. A study was conducted in laboratory of plant pathology to recognize the efficiency of these antagonists. These species had unregistered a mortality mounts of 100 % in 6 days.