Effectiveness of combining bioacaricides with sprinkler irrigation to control the red spider mite, Tetranychus evansi Baker and Pritchard (Acari: Tetranychidae), in irrigated tomato crops in Burkina Faso, West Africa

Tomato production plays an important role in Burkina Faso by contributing to food security and increasing farmers’ income. However, this crop is susceptible to several pests among which Tetranychus evansi Baker and Pritchard is of economic importance. The present study carried out in the commune of Yako, an important tomato production area in northern Burkina Faso, aims to evaluate the outcome of combining a bioacaricide (Biopiq) from plant origin with sprinkler irrigation in the view of an integrated control of T. evansi in tomato irrigated crops. The experimental design consisted of six treatments in four replications including sprinkler irrigation, gravity irrigation, Acarius (abamectin-based commercial acaricide used as positive control) and Biopiq (plant-based acaricide) sprayings and the combination of each acaricide with both irrigation techniques. Observations made from tomato transplanting to harvest included T. evansi density/ leaf, plant infestation levels, leaf damage index, plant production parameters such as numbers of leaves, flowers and fruits and yield assessment. Results showed that the combination of Acarius and Biopiq with sprinkler irrigation significantly reduced density and damage caused by T. evansi. These treatments also produced similar and significantly higher yields (14,875±1,982 kg/ha; 14,687±924kg/ha respectively) compared to other treatments. These results lead to promising prospects for the control of T. evansi in irrigated tomato crops in West Africa. The strategies for an optimal use of these findings on a large scale through an integrated management approach remain to be defined.