Temporal distribution and management of the tomato leaf miner

Abstract

ABSTRACT Tomato leaf miner [Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae] is a destructive pest of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) and other Solanaceous plants. The pest recently emerged in Tanzania and other African countries and its ecology in their environment is not well known. Factorial experiments tested effects of season, location, altitude, time, host and insecticides on spatial and temporal abundance of T. absoluta. Season, time and altitude, and interactions of season × time, time × altitude and time × season × altitude significantly affected T. absoluta populations. Season, host, location and the interactions of season × host, season × location, host × location and season × host × location interactions significantly affected T. absoluta populations. There were significant effects of interactions of insecticide × location, location × season, and season × altitude on T. absoluta populations. Tomato was the most preferred host at all locations and seasons. A combination of Antario® and Recharge® insecticides was the most effective against T. absoluta at all locations. These results can be used to develop effective T. absoluta management strategies through proper selection and timely application of control measures.