Population Development of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) under Simulated UK Glasshouse Conditions

Abstract

Tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is a major pest of tomato plants in South America. It was first recorded in the UK in 2009 where it has been subjected to eradication policies. The current work outlines T. absoluta development under various UK glasshouse temperatures. The optimum temperature for Tuta development ranged from 19–23 °C. At 19 °C, there was 52% survival of T. absoluta from egg to adult. As temperature increased (23 °C and above) development time of the moth would appear to decrease. Population development ceases between 7 and 10 °C. Only 17% of eggs hatched at 10 °C but no larvae developed through to adult moths. No eggs hatched when maintained at 7 °C. Under laboratory conditions the total lifespan of the moth was longest (72 days) at 13 °C and shortest (35 days) at both 23 and 25 °C. Development from egg to adult took 58 days at 13 °C; 37 days at 19 °C and 23 days at 25 °C. High mortality of larvae occurred under all temperatures tested. First instar larvae were exposed on the leaf surface for approximately 82 minutes before fully tunnelling into the leaf. Adult longevity was longest at 10 °C with moths living for 40 days and shortest at 19 °C where they survived for 16 days. Generally more males than females were produced. The potential of Tuta absoluta to establish populations within UK protected horticulture is discussed.

Life table parameters of the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) on different tomato cultivars

“…Cuthbertson et al. () demonstrated the effect of temperature on population development of tomato pin worm, showing that time to hatching eggs of T. absoluta was the longest at 10°C (21 days) and the shortest at a fluctuating temperature of 18–23°C (with an average of 21°C; 3 days). At 13°C, larvae remained alive within the leaves around 51 days and consequently had the longest lifespan of approximately 72 days.…”

“…Damage caused by this pest is focused on the larval galleries made on the leaves (Cuthbertson et al. ), the terminal buds, the flowers and the fruits of the tomato crops (Haji et al. ; Lopes‐Filho ).…”

Management of Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Using Biopesticides on Tomato Crop under Greenhouse Conditions

“…Losses of 50-100% have been reported on tomato (EPPO, 2005;Gebrelebanos, 2015). Tomato leafminer has a high reproductive potential (Cuthbertson et al, 2013). In favorable conditions, the insect can complete about 10-12 generations in a year (IRAC, 2011;NAPPO, 2012).…”

The tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) attack in Nigeria: effect of climate change on over-sighted pest or agro-bioterrorism?

“…All aspects of pest development-oviposition rates, time to eclosion, duration of life cycle and longevity of adults are affected by temperature (Cuthbertson et al, 2013).…”