Infestation Level Influences Oviposition Site Selection in the Tomato Leafminer Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Abstract

The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a devastating pest that develops principally on solanaceous plants throughout South and Central America and Europe. In this study, we tested the influence of three levels of T. absoluta infestations on the attraction and oviposition preference of adult T. absoluta. Three infestation levels (i.e., non-infested plants, plants infested with 10 T. absoluta larvae, and plants infested with 20 T. absoluta larvae) were presented by pairs in a flying tunnel to groups of T. absoluta adults. We found no differences in terms of adult attraction for either level of infestations. However, female oviposition choice is influenced by larvae density on tomato plants. We discuss the underlying mechanisms and propose recommendations for further research.

First report of tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in Botswana

“…The second detection point was Noka Farm (S21.12860; E27.48830), Francistown, in the same district. Following detection, a physical assessment of crop damage symptoms for the presence of the pest was conducted and infested tomato fruit samples were collected and incubated in climate chambers (HPP 260, Memmert GmbH + Co.KG, Germany) at 24 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 5% RH [34] in insect cages (35 cm 3 ) until adult eclosion. Emerged adult moths were collected and examined for confirmation.…”

Control and Management of Tomato Leafminer -Tuta Absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidotera, Gelechiidae).A Review

“…or Solanum lycopersicum L) is one of the most important edible vegetable crops and used as source of income. Tomato produced by small and medium scale farmers for home consumption and as a source of income [1,2]. Recently, the production of tomato has been decreasing due to various factors including pest and disease [3,4].…”

“…Introduction of non-indigenous species like tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta to the new biotic community of the world has brought several problems in different places in the world. Among the newly introduced species in Tanzania that are of significant economic importance is Tuta absoluta [1][2][3]. Due to lack of natural barriers, porous borders and lack of quarantine regulation implementation, the wild species can move from one ecological community to the other through human activities.…”

“…Thousands of tomato farmers in Tanzania are suffering from serious production losses due to devastating pest that destroyed their precious crop [3,4,6]. The leafminers, T. absoluta, originate from South America [7],is a significant pest of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), as well as other solanaceous crops like eggplants, peppers, potatoes, beans and datura [1,2]. It attacks all aerial parts of the host (leaves, stems and fruits) and feeds within the tissues [1].…”

“…The leafminers, T. absoluta, originate from South America [7],is a significant pest of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), as well as other solanaceous crops like eggplants, peppers, potatoes, beans and datura [1,2]. It attacks all aerial parts of the host (leaves, stems and fruits) and feeds within the tissues [1]. The pest was reported for the first time in Tanzania in August 2014 and since then invaded different parts of the country [4].…”