Abstract
Tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is a major pest of tomato plants in South America. It was first recorded in the UK in 2009 where it has been subjected to eradication policies. The current work outlines T. absoluta development under various UK glasshouse temperatures. The optimum temperature for Tuta development ranged from 19–23 °C. At 19 °C, there was 52% survival of T. absoluta from egg to adult. As temperature increased (23 °C and above) development time of the moth would appear to decrease. Population development ceases between 7 and 10 °C. Only 17% of eggs hatched at 10 °C but no larvae developed through to adult moths. No eggs hatched when maintained at 7 °C. Under laboratory conditions the total lifespan of the moth was longest (72 days) at 13 °C and shortest (35 days) at both 23 and 25 °C. Development from egg to adult took 58 days at 13 °C; 37 days at 19 °C and 23 days at 25 °C. High mortality of larvae occurred under all temperatures tested. First instar larvae were exposed on the leaf surface for approximately 82 minutes before fully tunnelling into the leaf. Adult longevity was longest at 10 °C with moths living for 40 days and shortest at 19 °C where they survived for 16 days. Generally more males than females were produced. The potential of Tuta absoluta to establish populations within UK protected horticulture is discussed.
Highlights
The introduction of non-indigenous pests and diseases into a country can impact on both forestry and horticultural industries [1,2], where crop damage and even complete loss may occur
The current study investigates the population development of T. absoluta under environmental conditions associated with United Kingdom (UK) tomato glasshouses
Tuta absoluta is well able to develop under temperatures that would commonly be experienced in UK glasshouses
Summary
The introduction of non-indigenous pests and diseases into a country can impact on both forestry and horticultural industries [1,2], where crop damage and even complete loss may occur. Environmental damage has been recorded following establishment of non-indigenous organisms [3]. Within Europe it was initially detected in the Iberian Peninsula in 2006 [9]. Since it has rapidly moved across the Mediterranean area and has been detected in France, Italy and the United Kingdom (UK) [10,11]. In 2009 there were 11 outbreaks of T. absoluta in the UK followed by 15 in 2010, 8 in 2011 and 7 in 2012 [12]
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