Comparative Effects of Some Botanical Extracts and Chemicals in Controlling the Red Spider Mite Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard on Solanaceous Crops

The tomato red spider mite, Tetranychus evansi, is an invasive pest reported on solanaceous crops in Benin around 2008, causing heavy economic damage. control of this mite by farmers mainly done through intensive applications chemical pesticides that are not always effective. In the present study, we evaluated a laboratory, at IITA-Benin, effects two botanical insecticides: Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) and Neem oil. This together with Acarius 18 EC, acaricide generally used growers eggs adult females T. evansi. half recommended dose (0.5 l/ha), (1 double (2 l/ha) oil as well solutions 1%, 2 %, 3%, 4% 5% CNSL were tested. Mean egg hatching rates varied significantly among treatments, ranging from 0.00 ± 0.00% (Neem CNSL) (respectively 4%) to 100% (Control). Mortality female evansi also differed treatments (P < 0.0001), 22.00 4.20% 100%. highest mortality recorded any doses 4%, whereas lowest rate was treatment. Fecundity pesticide-treated proportion hatched revealed significant differences all products 0.0001). It appears study even very effective suppressing populations should, therefore, be subject further studies test their compatibility natural enemies, determine strategies for efficient greenhouse under field conditions.