Evaluation of Abamectin (Agrimec Gold® SC 8.4%) in control of two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch and its preharvest interval in greenhouse cucumber

The effect of acaricide Abamectin (Agrimec Gold® SC, 8.4%) was investigated to control the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae on cucumber in greenhouses in Yazd and Jiroft. Abamectin (Agrimec Gold®) at two doses of 0.185 and 0.200 ml/lit was compared by Tetradifon (Tedion® EC, 2 ml/lit) and Sperimesifen (Oberon® SC, 0.5 ml/lit). Sampling and counting of live mites on the lower surface of the leaves were done at one day before and 3, 7 and 14 days after spraying respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted using SAS software with randomized complete block design. Results in both cities showed Abamectin had high mortality of mites at 3, 7 and 14 days after spraying and the effect of Sperimesifen was higher than Tetradifon. In Yazd province Abamectin treatment at doses of 0.185 and 0.200 ml/lit showed 100 percent mortality on mites at 3, 7 and 14 days after spraying and in Jiroft, efficacy of two doses were 92.79-99.48 % of mortality. In Yazd, efficacy of the sperimesifen was 66.1-99.5 percent but in Jiroft on day 3 Sperimesifen had caused 100 % of mite mortality and then decreased to 98.78% on day 14 after spraying. Investigation of preharvest interval of Abamectin at doses of 0.185 and 0.200 ml/lit in cucumber samples showed that 7 days after spraying is acceptable according to the Syngenta company claim, so based on efficiency test, it is recommended to use a dose of 0.185/lit of this acaricide to control TSSM in greenhouse cucumbers.