Effect of Kaolin on second instar larvae of tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Lep.: Gelechiidae) in greenhouse conditions

Effect of Kaolin on second instar larvae of Tomato leaf miner moth, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) was investigated. Effect of various concentrations (0, 2.5%, 5% and 7.5%) of Kaolin was tested on second instar larvae of tomato leaf miner. Kaolin was sprayed in a completely randomized design with five repetitions on each tomato plant with height of about 30 cm. Then, ten second instar larvae of tomato leaf miner were released randomly on tomato leaves. After 72 hours, data in the mortality of larvae, escaped larvae and feeding amount (in cm2 and % of eaten( were taken. The feeding amount was measured by leaf level device. Data were analyzed with SAS software. Based on the results, different concentrations of Kaolin, had significant repellency properties and mortality on larvae. The mean of larval repellency calculated for concentrations of Kaolin %2.5, %5, %7.5 and control were (3.00±0.39), (3.40±0.39), (3.00±0.39) and (1.60±0.39), respectively. In average less than 20% mortality was observed for various concentrations of Kaolin. In contrast, none of the concentrations of Kaolin had significant effect on feeding amount of the second instar larvae of pest.