Suitability of the tomato borer Tuta absoluta as prey for Macrolophus pygmaeus and Nesidiocoris tenuis

Abstract

The tomato borer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lep.: Gelechiidae), is an important tomato pest native to South America, which appeared in eastern Spain at the end of 2006. Prey suitability of T. absoluta eggs and larval instars was examined under laboratory conditions to evaluate whether two indigenous predators, Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur) and Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter (Hem.: Miridae), can adapt to this invasive pest. Both predators preyed actively on T. absoluta eggs and all larval stages, although they preferred first‐instar larvae. Our results demonstrate that both mirids can adapt to this invasive pest, contributing to their value as biological control agents in tomato crops.

Potential of Biological Control Agents AgainstTuta absoluta(Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae): Current Knowledge in Argentina

“…In one study, adult M. pygmaeus and N. tenuis consumed 30+ eggs and 2 T. absoluta larvae daily (Urbaneja et al, 2009). Although both species were observed feeding on all life stages of T. absoluta, they preferred first-instar larvae.…”

Influence of Host-Plant Feeding on the Prey Consumption of Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae)

“…2008; Solsoloy et al, 1994;Urbaneja et al, 2009). 담배장님노 린재는 담배가루이, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), 총채벌레, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), 점박이응애, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)를 먹이로 발육이 잘 된다고 보고 되어있으며 (Urbaneja et al, 2003), 보존방사 혹은 대량방사 (Inundative or Inoculative release) 방식으로 온실가루이 방제 에 활용이 가능하다 (Urbaneja et al, 2005).…”

“…담배장님노 린재는 담배가루이, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), 총채벌레, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), 점박이응애, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)를 먹이로 발육이 잘 된다고 보고 되어있으며 (Urbaneja et al, 2003), 보존방사 혹은 대량방사 (Inundative or Inoculative release) 방식으로 온실가루이 방제 에 활용이 가능하다 (Urbaneja et al, 2005). 이러한 담배장님노 린재가 지중해 연안에서는 토마토에 많이 발생하는 해충으로 알려져 있으며, 이탈리아와 스페인에서는 천적으로 간주되고 있다 (Castañé et al, 2011;Sanchez, 2008;Arnó et al, 2009;Calvo et al, 2009a,b;Urbaneja et al, 2009). 담배장님노린재의 암 · 수와 교미 유 · 무에 따른 줄점알락명 나방 알 섭취량은 다음과 같았다( Table 2) Literature Cited…”

Uso de semioquímicos en el control de plagas. Estudios básicos y de aplicación

“…En cuanto al control biológico, se han descrito gran variedad de parasitoides y depredadores que atacan los huevos, larvas o pupas de T. absoluta (Miranda et al, 1998;Blaeser et al, 2004;Urbaneja et al, 2009;Desneux et al, 2010). Para promover estos sistemas es necesario el desarrollo e introducción de nuevos métodos de control compatibles con el control biológico como técnicas culturales, biotecnológicas, métodos biológicos, como la introducción de hongos entomopatógenos y nematodos (Rodríguez et al, 2006;Batalla-Carrera et al, 2010) o tratamientos con cepas de la bacteria B. thuringiensis, cuya eficacia ya ha sido demostrada (Giustolin et al, 2001;Theoduloz et al, 2003;Niedmann y MezaBasso, 2006;González-Cabrera et al, 2010) y su uso se encuentra autorizado en España.…”

“…It must be taken into account that, in many cases, these insecticides could also affect natural enemies, making the consolidation of biological control systems impossible. In fact, a broad variety of parasitoids and predators have been reported attacking egg, larval or pupal stages of T. absoluta (Miranda et al, 1998;Pratissoli & Parra, 2000;Parra & Zucchi, 2004;Luna et al, 2007;Urbaneja et al, 2009;Desneux et al, 2010). Pest management tactics could also include the introduction of techniques based on pheromones.…”