Effects of biorational insecticides on Bemisia tabaci Gennadius at fruit ripening stage in tomato and their compatibility with the stingless bee Melipona beecheii Bennett

The whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is a major pest of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) crops. Although chemical insecticides are widely used for pest management, their application during fruit ripening is discouraged due to residue risks. In this study, six botanical insecticides, potassium soap, and pyriproxyfen were evaluated under greenhouse and open-field conditions with applications initiated at fruit ripening and repeated weekly for two sprays. Laboratory feeding bioassays assessed compatibility with the stingless bee Melipona beecheii. In greenhouse assays, pyriproxyfen, Zea mays oil, and Cinnamomum extract were associated with the lowest immature densities, reducing nymph and egg abundance to 1.00–2.57 and 1.77–2.37 individuals cm−2, respectively, whereas more variable responses were observed under field conditions. Treatments did not cause significant mortality in M. beecheii; however, Allium/Capsicum/Cinnamomum extract, Cinnamomum extract, and Glycine max oil reduced walking speed. These findings support biorational insecticides in tomato pest management programs while considering sublethal effects on beneficial pollinators.