EFFECT OF ACARICIDES ON THE CONTROL OF RUSSET MITE Aculops lycopersici (Massee, 1937) IN TOMATO PLANTS

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of dosages of a new acaricide, in comparison to, Azocyclotin, a product commonly used to control russet mite (Aculops lycopersici) in tomato plants. The work was conducted in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. The Santa Adélia Super cultivar was grown using a stake system, with one plant per hole, each plant with one stem, in double rows, and spacing of 1.0 m between rows. Treatments were: Spirodiclofen (240 SC, in dosages of 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30 L p.c.ha-1); Azocyclotin (500 SC, 0.50 L p.c.ha-1); Azocyclotin (250 PM, 1.00 kg p.c.ha-1) and Control. Doses were applied in one-week intervals, 82, 89 and 96 days after germination. A previous sampling of the number of acarids in the plots was made 79 days after germination. The efficiency of the products and doses was evaluated in four samplings, one, three, seven and ten days after the last acaricide application. Four leaves were collected at random from the two central lines of each plot (sixteen leaves/treatment). From each leaf, five leaves were detached to count the number of russet mites. The being tested products reduced the population of A. lycopersici. The dose of 0.3 liter p.c.ha-1 of Spirodiclofen was the most effective in controlling tomato russet mite, up to three days after the last application. Spirodiclofen can be used to control tomato russet mite as a substitute for Azocyclotin, which is usually recommended.

KEY-WORDS: Lycopersicon esculentum; Eriophyidae; chemical control.