Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Bio and Chemical Pesticides against the Cotton Thrips, Thrips tabaci L. under Laboratory Conditions

The cotton thrips, Thrips tabaci L., a globally widespread pest, poses major challenges to vegetable crops, especially cucumber Cucumis sativus L., through direct feeding damage and disease transmission. This study evaluates the efficacy of two botanical biopesticides Tondexir 80% EC (red pepper and garlic extract) and Palizin 65% EC (organic saponins) and two chemical pesticides Super Hulk 11.8% EC (hexythiazox + abamectin) and Changer 24% SC (Chlorfenapyr) against T. tabaci under laboratory conditions. Thrips were collected from infested cucumber fields in Karbala Governorate, Iraq, and mortality rates were evaluated at different concentrations (biopesticides: 1 ml and 2 ml; chemicals pesticides: 0.5 ml and 1 ml) and time periods (24, 48 and 72 h). The results showed that Super Hulk 11.8% EC achieved the highest efficacy, with 100% mortality within 48 and 72 h at both concentrations. Changer 24% SC showed moderate efficacy, with a maximum efficacy of 78.33% at 1 ml after 72 h. Among the biopesticides, Tondexir and Palizin showed significant mortality, with higher concentrations and prolonged exposure leading to improved outcomes. Palizin showed the highest mortality (83.33%) at 2 ml after 72 h. The study highlights the superior rapid action of chemical pesticides and the potential of bio pesticides as environmentally friendly alternatives. Integrated pest management strategies that combine these approaches are recommended to enhance efficacy, mitigate resistance development and reduce environmental impact. Further field studies are suggested to validate these findings.