Open AccessSurveying for Natural Enemies of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in Selected Parts of Zambia
Author(s) -
Charles Mwamba,
Philemon H. Sohati,
Langa Tembo,
Paul W. Kachapulula
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
current journal of applied science and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2457-1024
DOI - 10.9734/cjast/2022/v41i331657
Subject(s) - tuta absoluta , biology , pest analysis , toxicology , crop , biological pest control , geography , horticulture , gelechiidae , agronomy
Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is a major pest of tomato for both greenhouse and field-grown. In Zambia, it was first reported in 2016 and has since caused far huge damage to the crop. Several interventions were embarked on ranging from the use of neem but chemicals have been mainly used to control the pest. The purpose of our research was to survey and identify indigenous natural enemies for T. absoluta associated with tomato in the central and Lusaka provinces of Zambia. Surveys were conducted in both in the rainy and dry seasons of 2019 in five sites and potential natural enemies collected were sent to CABI Plantwise laboratory for identification. A predatory species from the family of Miridae was found and its DNA 100% matched Nesidiocoris Tenuis (Reuter) and was later collected for rearing at the University of Zambia Insectaria. This species is reported for the first time on T. absoluta in Zambia. Nesidiocoris tenuis identification will provide a scientific basis for biological control of T. absoluta.