Neochrysocharis formosa (Westwood) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a newly recorded parasitoid of the tomato moth, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in Argentina

Abstract

We report the first record of Neochrysocharis formosa (Westwood) parasitizing larvae of the tomato moth, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), in tomato crops in Northern Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Tomato moth larvae were sampled during four consecutive growing cycles, between 2003 and 2005, in 10 sites. Neochrysocharis formosa was present only in organic outdoor and protected crops, and predominantly during the late season. Parasitism rates varied from 1.5% to 5%. The finding of this species is a new record for Argentina and South America, and T. absoluta is a new host record.

Reproductive Biology and Functional Response ofDineulophus phtorimaeae, a Natural Enemy of the Tomato Moth,Tuta absoluta

“…Among a list of more than 50 species of T. absoluta entomophagous insects reported elsewhere (Garcia Roa 1989; Consoli et al 1998; Miranda et al 1998; Faria et al 2000; Luna et al 2010, 2011; Desneux et al 2010; Medeiros et al 2011), some of them have been pointed out as potential biocontrol agents by means of augmentative releases (Pratissoli et al 1998; Giustolin et al 2001; Torres et al 2002; Luna et al 2007; Faria et al 2008; Sanchez et al 2009; Luna et al 2010; Mollá et al 2011). However, efficient control has not been demonstrated yet, with basic biological research still needed if a successful integrated pest management program is to be developed for this pest.…”

The New Invasive Pest <i>Tuta absoluta</i> (Meyrick) (lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in India and its Natural Enemies along with Evaluation of Trichogrammatids for its Biological Control

“…Luna et al 7 reported the first record of N. formosa (generally recorded as a parasitoid of serpentine leaf miner Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess)) parasitizing larvae of T. absoluta in tomato crops in Northern Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. This parasitoid was present only in organic outdoor and protected crops, predominantly during the late season and parasitism rates varied from 1.5% to 5%.…”

Parasitoids (Hymenoptera) of leafminer flies (Diptera: Agromyzidae) from Bangladesh

“…Moreover, Luna et al (2011) reported N. formosa as a parasite of Tuta absoluta (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera) where as it has been reared from L. sativae (Agromyzidae: Diptera) in the present study. In addition, among them N. formosa was the most abundant species accounting for approximately 57% of all reared parasitoids.…”

“…Host: L. sativae (Agromyzidae: Diptera) (present study); Tuta absoluta (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera) (Luna et al 2011 Diagnostic characters: Body length 1.1mm; funicle 2 segmented in both sexes; notaulus usually complete, straight, ending at or near junction of anterior margin of scutellum and axilla; scutellum usually with longitudinal submedian grooves, although sometimes indistinct or even absent except for coloration; postmarginal vein at most 1.5 times longer than stigmal vein, often equal to or shorter in length; petiole very short.…”