Tomato Leafminer Tuta Absoluta Research Articles

Geographic variation of host preference by the invasive tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta: implications for host range expansion

Host range evolution is a central issue for pest management, particularly for invasive species of agricultural importance. The invasive tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), a key pest of tomato in Europe and recently in sub-Saharan Africa, is a good model organism to better understand underlying processes. We studied oviposition acceptance (proportion of females accepting a given plant as host for laying egg), oviposition preference (number of eggs laid by females on a given host plant) and performance (offspring development estimated as survival from egg to adult) of two T. absoluta populations originating from France (FRA) and Senegal (SEN) on six solanaceous plants (tomato, eggplant, Ethiopian eggplant, potato, sweet pepper and pepper). The ovipositional behavioral pattern differed between the two populations; the SEN population showed higher oviposition acceptance on Ethiopian eggplant and sweet pepper than the FRA population. In addition, SEN population showed higher oviposition preference toward sweet pepper and potato than the FRA population. By contrast, the FRA population showed higher preference toward tomato and eggplant than the SEN population. The two populations of T. absoluta performed best on tomato (the preferred host plant) and showed similar decreasing trend in performance when comparing the two populations on the various other host plants. For both populations, performance on solanaceous plant species was closely related to ovipositional response of females to these plants. The differences observed between the two populations may indicate an ongoing differentiation in the host range of T. absoluta in the two invaded areas, possibly due to the abundance of these alternative host crops in Senegal at a period when tomato crops are scarce.

Resistance of processing tomato genotypes to leafminer (Tuta absoluta)

ABSTRACT Tomato crop presents several obstacles that hinder its cultivation, especially the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). To reduce damages caused by this pest, the development of resistant cultivars is one of the main alternatives. In this study we aimed to select tomato genotypes with high acylsugar contents and resistant to tomato leafminer. For this, contrasting F2RC1 genotypes for allelochemical contents, resulting from the interspecific cross between cultivar Redenção with processing characteristics, and the wild species Solanum pennellii accession ‘LA-716’, with high acylsugar contents, were submitted to a test of resistance to tomato leafminer with 14 treatments, being eight genotypes with high acylsugar content and four with low acylsugar content, in addition to the parental. Significant correlations and contrasts were observed between acylsugar contents and traits related to the resistance to tomato leafminer. The genotype RVTA-2010-31-pl#177 presented similar behavior to the wild parental, demonstrating potential to advance in the tomato breeding program for industrial processing with resistance to tomato leafminer.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

The complete mitochondrial genome of the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta was determined in this study. It is 15,290 bp in length and consists of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a putative control region. All the 13 PCGs were initiated with typical ATN start codons, except for cox1 with the CGA. These PCGs were terminated by the typical TAA codon or the incomplete T– – codon. The phylogenetic relationships based on neighbour-joining method revealed that T. absoluta is clustered with six Gelechiidae species, which agree with the conventional taxonomy.

Geographical Distribution of South American Tomato Leaf Miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Nepal

South American tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is an invasive insect pest of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Miller) both in field and controlled environment conditions. T. absoluta is native to South America, it was detected first time in Nepal from Kathmandu during May, 2016. Survey was conducted at 46 locations of 31 districts in terai and mid hills of Nepal during February to June 2018. T. absoluta was detected from 45 locations of 30 districts surveyed. T. absoluta which was detected from Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kavre and Dhading districts in 2016 has now been spread into 33 districts across the Nepal. Apart from 33 districts T. absoluta might be present in other districts which were not surveyed during the study. Farmers generally manage T. absoluta through indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides. So, extensive research is needed in future to develop integrated pest management technique which is suitable and sustainable for its management in Nepalese context.

A new and efficient synthesis of (3E,8Z,11Z)-tetradeca-3,8,11-trienyl acetate, the major sex pheromone component of the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta

An efficient synthesis of (3E,8Z,11Z)-tetradeca-3,8,11-trienyl acetate, the major sex pheromone component of the tomato leafminer moth, Tuta absoluta, was accomplished. The synthesis started with but-3-yn-1-ol and gave an overall yield of 41%.

Effectiveness of Various Solar Light Traps With and Without Sex Pheromone for Mass Trapping of Tomato Leaf Miner (Tuta absoluta) in a Tomato Field

Tuta absolute was a quarantine pest in Iran that has been recorded for the first time in 2009. The most conventional methods for control of this pest in Iran are chemical methods and mass trapping, although the efficiency of the latter method is not clear. In 2013, the efficiency of three common types of solar light traps with and without sex pheromone, along with water pan pheromone traps for control, were investigated. The experiment was performed in a randomized complete block design within in a tomato field. The treatments were Behroyan light trap (BL), Zist bani light trap (ZL), Russell light trap (RL), BL + pheromone, ZL+ pheromone, RL+ pheromone and water pan pheromone trap (WPT). Traps were checked weekly and the number of captured tomato leaf miner (TLM), Noctuid moths, Chrysopa sp., Coccinella septempuctata and Syrphid flies were counted. Mean weekly capture of TLM in BL, ZL and RL traps without sex pheromone were 9.11 ± 1.16, 4.94 ± 0.24 and 1.66 ± 0.7, while within traps sex pheromone were 54.72 ± 11.8, 42.05 ± 6.47, 39.02 ± 2.82, respectively. The mean weekly capture of Noctuid moths in the traps without pheromone were 16.92 ± 1.39, 25.39 ± 0.57, 1.49 ± 0.27 and with pheromone were 21.04 ± 1.72, 28.09 ± 0.95, 2.76 ± 1.39, respectively. Mean weekly capture of TLM and Noctuid moths in WPT traps were 47.13 ± 3.06 and 0.73 ± 0.27, respectively. The total attracted numbers of predators by the three light traps were not significant. In conclusion, traps baited sex pheromone (especially BL and ZL) could be used as eco- friendly tools for mass trapping of TLM and some key Noctuid moth pests in isolated tomato fields.

Population Fluctuations of Tomato Leaf Miner Tuta absoluta Meyrick and its Associated Predators in Tomato Plants and Effect of Insecticides ,Biocides and Sex Pheromone Traps on the Insect Population.

A field study was carried out at the experimental farm of the faculty of Agriculture, Kafr EL-Sheikh region during two successive seasons 2014 and 2015, to study the population fluctuation of Tuta absoluta larvae and associated predators on tomato plants and determine the effect of some insecticides and biocides on T. absoluta larvae and chlorophyll content in tomato leaves., Also, Relationship between numbers of insect males caught in pheromone traps and its larvae. Results showed that in the first season 2014, T. absoluta larvae appeared in relatively low numbers and increased gradually to exhibit the two peaks (187 and 168 larvae /10 plants on June 24th and July 15th, respectively. The same trend was recorded in the second season 2015. As for predators, Nesidiocoris ternuis constituted the greatest in number followed by true spiders. coccinella undicimpunctata (L.) came in the third rank, while Scymnus spp. was recorded in few numbers. Results indicated that Excellent insecticide was the most potent compound in reducing the population density of T. absoluta larvae with reduction of 90.97, 95.67, 96.26% after application at 5, 7 and 10 days, respectively. with all average 94.2+1.6 of reduction While the least average of percentage of reduction for insect larvae caused by Biotect 48, 41, 86.43 and 85.40% at 5, 7 and 10 days after application, respectively with the least average 71.7+11.7. In the second season 2015, in contrast, Voliam flexi was the most potent compound in reducing the population density of insect larvae with reduction percent of 100.0, 98.1 and 100.0% at 5,7 and 10 days after application respectively, with all average 99.2+0.8 .While Agree compound caused the least average of reduction for insect larvae with 81.5, 78.88 and 84.5% at 5, 7 and 10 days after application respectively with all average 81.6+1.6. Statistical analysis showed significant differences among treatments to reduction of T. absoluta larvaein the first and second seasons. Chlorophyll content grand average increased by Biotect treatment while it was least with Voliam flexi in 2014 and 2015 season. Populations of T. absoluta males appeared in sex pheromone traps had three and four peaks in 2014 and 2015 seasons, respectively, while larvae of this insect had two peaks and one peak in the first and second season, respectively.

Natural mortality factors of tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta in open-field tomato crops in South America.

Little importance has been given to the role of natural mortality factors (biotic and abiotic) in the regulation of tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) populations. The present study determined the action of mortality factors on T. absoluta populations infesting cultivated tomato crops. Eighty ecological life tables for T. absoluta in field cultivated tomato plants were constructed and analyzed. Total T. absoluta mortality was 99.08%, with 38.76% mortality during the egg phase, 57.20% in the larva phase and 3.12% in the pupal phase. The main mortality factors during the egg stage were predation, parasitism and egg inviability. In the larval stage, the main mortality factors were predation, parasitism, entomopathogenic agents and physiological disorders. In the pupal stage, the main mortality factor was predation. The larvae of the third and fourth instar were more susceptible to the action of mortality factors and the predatory wasp, Protonectarina sylveirae, was the main insect predator of these larvae. The T. absoluta population is regulated under field conditions by the action of natural enemies of the larvae. The predatory wasp P. sylveirae is very important in the regulation of T. absoluta populations in open-field tomato crops in Brazil. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Arthropod pest complex and associated damage in field-grown tomato in Senegal

AbstractBiotic factors (including insect pests) constrain field-grown tomato production in Senegal. However, little information is available on the identity and life system of key pests. The objectives of this study were to: (i) update key pest records of field-grown tomato in the central vegetable-producing area along the northern coast of Senegal, known as the Niayes area; (ii) map their spatial and temporal incidence and (iii) understand insecticide use by growers to control the pests. A total of 98 tomato fields distributed in three zones along a north–south transect in the Niayes area were monitored over four crop cycles from 2012 to 2014. As expected, the tomato fruitworm Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was the most destructive pest with an occurrence of 92% in sampled fields (90/98) and up to 38% damaged fruits in one field at the time of sampling. The proportion of damaged fruits did not differ among zones, but was significantly higher in the early dry season compared to the late dry season. The invasive tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) was detected in 53% of sampled fields (52/98), mainly in the south of the Niayes area in the late dry season. Because of their ability to adapt to unstable environment and insecticides, this insect pest assemblage is a new challenge that farmers have to deal with while decreasing their use of broad-spectrum insecticides.

Impact of nitrogen and potassium fertilization regimes on the biology of the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta

Impact of nitrogen and potassium fertilization regimes on the biology of the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta

Impact of nitrogen and potassium fertilization regimes on the biology of the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta

Impact of nitrogen and potassium fertilization regimes on the biology of the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta

Endophytic colonisation of tomato by the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana: the use of different inoculation techniques and their effects on the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Abstract Fungal entomopathogens can naturally regulate populations of various insects. The entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. is also able to endophytically colonize different plants. Endophytic colonization by entomopathogens may provide a source of indirect interactions between fungi and insects and has been associated with the ability of the fungus to control insect pests. The tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is considered one of the most devastating pests of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and its difficult control is due to its miner habit, short life cycle, and high reproductive capacity. The aims of this study were: (i) to use three different techniques, i.e. leaf spraying, seed immersion and root dipping, for the endophytic inoculation of B. bassiana in tomato plants; and (ii) to assess the effect of B. bassiana on tomato leaf consumption and mortality of T. absoluta after inoculation. The percentage of colonization by B. bassiana was assessed 7, 14 and 28 days after inoculation. All inoculation techniques employed allowed the recovery of B. bassiana, although our results showed significant differences between techniques. Leaf spraying was the most effective, with the highest percentage of colonization recorded 7 days after inoculation. We also evaluated (i) the effect on the mortality of T. absoluta by direct contact with conidia of B. bassiana, and (ii) the effect on tomato leaf consumption and mortality by indirect contact through ingestion of inoculated plant tissues with B. bassiana. Mortality bioassays showed that B. bassiana infected T. absoluta, either by direct contact or indirectly, via ingestion of inoculated tomato leaves. Direct contact showed a higher percentage of mortality and a lower median survival time (MST) than indirect contact. Significant differences in the mortality percentages of T. absoluta after exposure with B. bassiana were found among the treatments and the control. Our results suggest that the endophytic inoculation of B. bassiana in tomato crops provides the basis for further investigation, which should focus on the virulence of the endophytic B. bassiana against T. absoluta.

Evaluation of Bio-Pesticides on Integrated Management of Tomato Leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera) on Tomato Crops in Western Shewa of Central Ethiopia

The tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) became a serious pest to tomato crop in Ethiopia since 2012, where it causes a significant damage to the crop. Field studies were conducted during 2015-2017 to determine the effectiveness of different bio-pesticides on management of T. absoluta and the impact of bio-pesticides on the occurrence of this pest on tomato. All tested bio-pesticides caused significant larval mortality, particularly the extract of Azadirachta indica and Allium sativum; and entomopathogenic fungus of Beauveria bassiana were gave 74.26%, 71.82% and 74.14%, respectively. The lowest larval mortality was recorded in mixture of Prosuler Oxymatrin and Emamectin Benzoate 50.66%. However, all bio-pesticides were highly significant (P<0.01) different as compared with the standard check (Coragen 200 SC) 95.83% and untreated control 2.09% within 10th days of application. The maximum mean marketable yields were obtained from Tetraniliprole (Vayego 200 SC) and Coragen 200 SC in all three districts followed by A. indica. The lowest marketable yield was observed by Prosuler Oxymatrin and Emamectin Benzoate (15.69 ton/ha). The minimum leaves infestation and fruits damaged were recorded. Hence, leave and fruit infestation was minimized and marketable yield increased to some extent. Therefore, the tested biopesticides were effective and economically viable to utilize as a component in integrated pest management to control T. absoluta.

Biology of south american tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: gelechiidae)

Biology of south american tomato leaf miner <i>Tuta absoluta</i> (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: gelechiidae)

Incidence of South American tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and its natural enemies in Southern Karnataka

Surveys carried out in four districts of southern Karnataka viz., Bengaluru Rural, Chikkaballapura, Kolar and Mysuru to know the incidence level of South American Tomato Leaf Miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick). These undertaken at monthly intervals from July 2015 to April 2016 revealed that the infestation ranged from a low (5.97% leaf) during November 2015 and (1.59% fruit) during July 2015 to a maximum (24.72% leaf and 13.99% fruit damage) during February 2016. The study also evaluated the effect of mulching in reducing the infestation, besides recording two natural enemies from the surveyed areas in southern Karnataka.

First report of Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in the Republic of Benin

Tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is a serious pest of tomato Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae) originating from South America. Due to previous outbreaks in neighbouring West African countries, surveillance was ongoing since 2014 in Benin. Tomato plants were regularly inspected and pheromone traps placed in tomato-producing localities in northern, southern and central Benin, including fields close to the border with Niger and Nigeria. In late 2017 and beginning of 2018 Gelechiidae moths were obtained from both the traps and the reared plant material. Morphological examination and molecular analysis of the gained specimens allowed to confirm the presence of the pest in the northern and central regions of Benin. We hence confirm the presence of T. absoluta in yet another West African country.

Comparative damage and digestive enzyme activity of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) on 12 tomato cultivars

AbstractThe damage caused by the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) to 12 tomato cultivars was investigated under greenhouse conditions. The 2 cultivars Korral and CH Falat experienced lower damage in terms of all parameters investigated, whereas the cultivars Valouro and Cal JN3 were categorized as the most susceptible host plants. The larvae feeding on CH Falat and Korral cultivars reached the lowest final weight (1.82 and 1.93 mg, respectively), whereas those reared on the Valouro and Cal JN3 cultivars reached the highest body weight (3.42 and 3.33 mg, respectively). The highest proteolytic and amylolytic activity was detected in larvae feeding on the Korral cultivar, whereas larvae reared on the Valouro cultivar had the lowest enzyme activity for both third and fourth instar larvae. Altogether, the Korral and CH Falat cultivars were classified as relatively resistant cultivars, whereas the 2 cultivars Valouro and Cal JN3 were categorized as highly susceptible to infection by T. absoluta. Therefore, the resistant cultivars can be considered as candidates for use in integrated management programs of the tomato leaf miner in Iran.

First report of tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in Botswana

BackgroundThe tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is an invasive insect pest of tomato and other solanaceous plants which is rapidly expanding its geographic range. It has a highly damaging effect on tomatoes and potential of threatening food production and consequently national food security. Here, we report on the first detection of T. absoluta in Botswana, its consequences on agriculture and food security, and recommend on management strategies. The pest was observed feeding on Solanum lycopersicum L. plants at Genesis farm, Matshelagabedi village in northern Botswana. Following detection, we incubated infected tomato fruits until adult eclosion. External morphology was conducted and confirmed at Botswana International University of Science and Technology (Botswana). Molecular identification and morphological male genitalia were confirmed at Stellenbosch University (South Africa). In addition, we set up some sex-specific pheromone (Tuta optima PH-937-OPTI) at the core detection site and surrounding areas.ResultsMorphological genitalia features of pheromone-baited trap catches confirmed the insect pest was indeed T. absoluta. Molecular analysis also confirmed the morphological identification and thus confirming this first report of T. absoluta in Botswana.ConclusionThis first record of T. absoluta in Botswana is worth reporting to promote coordinated efforts amongst stakeholders, research specialists and extension officers in Botswana and across the southern African region in monitoring and managing the pest.

The potential invasion risk and preventive measures against the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta in China

The potential invasion risk and preventive measures against the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta in China

Effect of sublethal doses of abamectin on demographic traits of tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Abstract The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta is a serious pest of tomato crops worldwide. In this study the effect of sublethal concentrations of abamectin (at 10 and 30% lethal concentrations, LC10 and LC30) was investigated on developmental and reproduction parameters of the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta. Lethal concentrations were estimated by leaf dip bioassay on the fourth instar larvae of the T. absoluta that, LC50, LC30 and LC10 were 0.23, 0.15 and 0.12 mg · l−1, respectively. The sublethal concentrations led to significant decreases in adult emergence, the percentage of pupation of the parent generation, fecundity and adult longevity compared to the control. Sublethal concentrations significantly decreased the net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and gross reproduction rate (GRR). There was a significant decrease in the time to egg developmental and doubling time (DT) of T. absoluta. However, sublethal concentrations of abamectin had no significant effects on the percentage of pupation, larva, prepupa and pupa developmental periods, hatchability and sex ratio of offspring. The results of this study indicated that sublethal concentrations of abamectin could influence some biological parameters of T. absoluta. The results could also be helpful for making better management decisions for controlling the tomato leafminer.