Damage control of Helicoverpa armigera on tomato by plant volatiles-based attract and kill approach

Resistance development to both insecticides and transgenic crops has been frequently reported in Helicoverpa armigera populations, necessitating efforts to find new control measures. This study was aimed to evaluate the efficiency of attract and kill method using Noctovi®, a synthetic plant volatiles-based attractant for controlling H. armigera. In addition, the attractiveness of the Noctovi® for adults of H. armigera was evaluated under field conditions using delta traps. One liter per hectare of Noctovi® mixed with Permethrin, 5 ml A.I. or Thiodicarb, 7 ml A.I. was sprayed on tomato plants of the middle row (100 m length) just before sun set every two weeks. As infestation criteria, means percentages of infested tomatoes in attract & kill, insecticidal treatment and control (without any treatment application) plots were statistically compared. The results revealed that the Noctovi® was attractive for gravid females and males of H. armigera. Means percentages of infested tomatoes in attract & kill, insecticidal treatment and control (respectively 2.91±0.18, 4.68±0.24 and 5.14±0.28) were significantly different and the infestation in attract & kill treatment was significantly less than those of insecticidal treatment and control ones. At the same time, the infestation in insecticidal treatment was significantly less than that in control.