Seasons of the year affect critical stage and key mortality factors for Neoleucinodes elegantalis in open field tomatoes

Abstract

Neoleucinodes elegantalis is a serious pest for tomato producers that generates significant economic losses. Its occurrence depends on biotic factors involved in natural control. The influence of seasonal climate on N. elegantalis population density, taking into account mortality factors, has not been studied. The ecological life table is considered a comprehensive and reliable method to determine agroecosystem factors involved in insect pest population dynamics. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to identify the critical stages and key mortality factors for N. elegantalis during spring, summer, autumn and winter in open field tomato cultivation. The most important key mortality factor in the spring was the bird, Zonotrichia sp. In the summer, Trichogramma pretiosum and Solenopsis sp. had the most impact on mortality. During autumn, T. pretiosum and Zonotrichia sp. were deemed most important. During winter, the most important mortality factors were physiological disturbances, T. pretiosum, and predation by arthropods, including Solenopsis sp. The results of the study suggest that key mortality factors based on these findings may be useful during the decision‐making processes.