Control of tomato leafminer (Scrobipalpula absoluta)in Bolivia

The leafminer Scrobipalpula absoluta Meyr. is a serious pest of tomatoes in the Los Valles region of the eastern foothills of the Bolivian Andes. An initial insecticide screening trial showed that the local population of S. absoluta had developed a high resistance to organophosphorous insecticides. Soil‐applied carbamates and Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner were also ineffective. Further trials were carried out to establish the optimum rates and timing of applications of two synthetic pyrethroids, fenvalerate and permethrin. The results showed that organophosphate‐resistant S. absoluta can be satisfactorily controlled under commercial growing conditions with tow doses of pyrethroid insecticides. Permethrin had greater toxicity and persistence than fenvalerate, and could be applied at longer intervals. It is recommended that permethrin, either as Ambush 50 e.c. at 100 ml/ha or as Pounce 30 e.c. at 170 ml/ha, be applied weekly or at 10–14‐day intervals at the beginning of the season or when infestations and damage are light.