BIOSTIMULANTS AND BIORATIONAL INSECTICIDES IN THE CULTIVATION OF EGGPLANT IN PROTECTED CONDITIONS OF MACRO TUNNELS

Background. Microbial biostimulants in plants allow to improve nutrition and quality in crop fruits. Insecticides based on entomopathogenic fungi and state-of-the-art insecticides control pests in vegetables effectively. Objective. To evaluate three biostimulants and three biorational insecticides in eggplant cultivation under macrotunnel protected conditions. Methodology. The biostimulant treatments were: Genifix®, T22®, Mix® and control; for insecticides were: Movento®, Beauveria bassiana, Isaria javanica and control. They were evaluated in eggplant under macrotunnel conditions. Results. There was a significant effect of biostimulants on the increase in weight and dimensions of eggplant fruits, highlighting Genifix®, followed by T22® and Mix®. Movento® reduced more whiteflies compared to B. bassiana and I. javanica. Implications. The evaluated products can be applied in a biorational management of eggplant, reducing the excessive use of synthetic fertilizers and insecticides. Conclusions. The potential of the biostimulant Genifix®, T22® and Mix® to improve the development of eggplant fruits was demonstrated, as well as the insecticide Movento® to control the pest Bemisia tabaci in eggplant. The bioinsecticide B. bassiana can be used effectively in integrated management of whitefly in eggplant.