Effect of Silicic Acid Formulation (Silicon 0.8%) on Two Major Insect Pests of Tomato under Greenhouse Conditions

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important vegetable crop in Iraq. This horticultural attacked by several insect pest species. Among them, the whitefly Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) are major threat of greenhouse tomatoes Basrah province southern The management these pests heavily based on application chemical pesticides. Vast pesticides caused harmful damage to environment, human health may increasing risk resistance populations. One promising strategies which compatible with organic farming silicon for enhancing plant vigor various agricultural crops. Due facts, experiments have been carried out at University evaluate effects (Si) fertilization plants reducing two pests. Treatments comprised type Si applications (Soil drench treatment foliar spraying) four concentrations (0, 0.5, 1 2%) AB Yellow ® silicic acid formulation. population density B. T. were studied weekly during growth season. results clearly demonstrated that Silicon significantly decreased immature both whiteflies greenhouse; Si-Foliar spraying was more effective key compared Si- soil application.