Recruitment of native parasitoids of the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick 1917), (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Senegal

Abstract

The tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is an invasive pest that produces significant damage to tomato crops in Senegal. Biological control is one of the options for its control and a large number of natural enemies have been reported in association with the pest. A five-year field survey was conducted in the main tomato-producing area in Senegal (Niayes) to evaluate the parasitoid complex of T. absoluta in tomato crops. Seven parasitoid species were obtained including Apanteles litae, Chelonus sp., Cotesia vestalis and Meteorus laphygmarum belonging to Braconidae family; Diadegma insulare, Pristomerus pallidus (Ichneumonidae) and Elasmus sp. (Eulophidae). The parasitoid Chelonus sp. was largely the most dominant (60.67%). Larval parasitism was very low (1.05%) but greater during the last years of the study (2016 to 2019). Results showed that parasitism was not affected by time of season. However, diversity of parasitoids was variable across year (p < 0.001). This study is a first step toward development of research and extension programs for conservation of natural enemies of T. absoluta in Senegal.