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The seasonal dynamic of Tuta absoluta in Solanum lycopersicon cultivation: Contributions of climate, plant phenology, and insecticide spraying
Author(s) -
Bacci Leandro,
Silva Ézio M,
Martins Júlio C,
Silva Ricardo S,
Chediak Mateus,
Milagres Carla C,
Picanço Marcelo C
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.6356
Subject(s) - tuta absoluta , gelechiidae , pest analysis , phenology , biology , leaf miner , abiotic component , population , lepidoptera genitalia , agronomy , integrated pest management , pheromone trap , lycopersicon , toxicology , horticulture , ecology , demography , sociology
Abstract BACKGROUND A variety of abiotic and biotic factors promoting seasonal variation in the population of insect pests. Knowledge of the timing and magnitude of these factors is important for the study of population dynamics and the development of efficient pest management programs. Currently, there are few studies regarding Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) seasonal dynamics in tomato cultivation under open field conditions, either with or without insecticide application. This study aimed to investigate the effects of tomato phenology, climatic factors, and insecticide spraying on the seasonal dynamics of T. absoluta in tomato cultivation under open field conditions, using data from monitoring performed for 3 years. RESULTS Insecticide, host plant, and climatic conditions can affect T. absoluta life cycles directly over time, resulting in shifts of peaks of the pest. Insecticides for T. absoluta control reduced injury caused by larvae; however, this was not enough to reduce the density below economic injury levels (EIL) during periods of climatic conditions more suitable for population growth. Tuta absoluta densities surpassed EIL more frequently during the tomato plant fruiting stage. The highest densities of mines and damaged fruits occurred during periods of August to January and September to January in crops without and with the application of insecticides, respectively. Regarding the climatic factors, the highest densities of T. absoluta occurred during periods of increasing air temperature and low rainfall. CONCLUSION This study provides relevant insights into the factors that regulate the dynamics of T. absoluta in tomato cultivation and the decision‐making process of control of this pest. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.