Effects of nutrition and air ion action on the biology of the tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Blazhevski, S.
Tuta absoluta (tomato borer, South American tomato moth, tomato leafminer) was first introduced from South America into Spain in 2006. In the past few years T. absoluta has spread rapidly throughout the countries in the Mediterranean Basin, and threatened the glasshouse production in Northern Europe. With its high reproductive capacity, T. absoluta is considered to be one of the most important lepidopterous pests on tomato. It also occurs on other plants of the Solanaceous family (aubergine, potato, weed species e.g. Solanum nigrum). The capability to use alternative plants as secondary hosts allows the continuous presence of T. absoluta in many habitats, in the absence of tomato crops. Infestation of the plants occurs throughout the entire crop cycle. It can cause up to 100 percent yield loss and its presence may have serious consequences for trade (export), being a quarantine pest. T. absoluta is a very challenging pest to control. In addition, control may be complicated by the appearance of resistance to insecticides. It is widely established that plant-mineral nutrition is an important determinant of herbivore developmental performance and behavioral preference. Unfortunately, the specific effects of mineral on herbivory have been variable and few unifying principles have emerged. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nitrogen and potassium fertilization of tomato on the developmental rate, survival, reproduction, intrinsic rate of increase and adult body weight of T. absoluta. Additionally, the effect of air ion action on the population dynamics of T. absoluta reared on tomato plants was also studied.
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