BIOLOGICAL, ECOLOGICAL, AND BIO-CONTROL STUDIES ON SOME INSECTS ATTACKING TOMATO PLANTS.

Abstract

This work was conducted in some pests attacking tomato plants. The main purpose of this work was to throw the light on survey of the different pests infesting tomato plants at three Egyptian governorates, the population density of different stages of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gellchiidae), effect of pheromone trap number on trapped T. absoluta, study on the feeding habits of the predator Nesidioeoris tennis (Hemiptera: Miridae) and IPM program to Tuta absoluta. The main results of study could be summarized as follow: The result obtained as shown that there are ten species were recorded during this study, those belonging to eight orders, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Thysanoptera, Neuroptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera and Hymenanptera. Five predators and one parasitoid associated with the insect pests on tomato plants in different Governorates of study. The population density of T. absoluta eggs, larvae, captured male moths and the damage caused by larvae (mines) occurring on tomato plant was significantly higher in summer season 2014 than in the winter season 2013. The number of traps with recommended rate attracted higher number and failed in traps, whereas in the other one attracted higher numbers but not fail as whale in traps. Predator Nasidocoris tenuis Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae) attack the insect pest Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gellchiidae) but started to feed on the host plants when the prey numbers decreased or not available. IPM applications used for T. absoluta control was more effective than used in the control field applications during summer season 2014.