The Differential Effects of Tuta absoluta Infestations on the Physiological Processes and Growth of Tomato, Potato, and Eggplant

Abstract

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is a destructive insect pest toward crops and belongs to the Solanaceae family. Since it was first recorded in South Africa in 2016, the pest has spread extensively and caused tremendous damage to field and tunnel-grown tomato crops. This study aimed to investigate how T. absoluta affects the growth and physiology of three Solanaceae plant species: tomato, potato, and eggplant. These three crops were infested with L1 instar larvae, and their growth and physiology were assessed during insect feeding. The damage to the infested tomato host plant was severe, with T. absoluta destroying 100% of the plants. The tomato plants were distorted 15 days after infestation, that is, before the fruit set. For potato, the defoliation was moderate, but the infested plants produced fewer tubers compared to the uninfested host plants. Eggplant had fewer visible signs of feeding, resulting in no significant difference between the infested and uninfested host plants in terms of growth and physiological functions. Infested tomato and potato plants had stagnant growth, fewer and damaged leaves, a reduced chlorophyll content, a reduced photosynthesis rate, a poor transpiration rate, poor water conductance, and poor intercellular carbon dioxide concentrations. This study closes the knowledge gap on the morphological (growth) and physiological responses of different Solanaceae species to T. absoluta infestation, and it also demonstrates the differential risk of T. absoluta infestations in the production of tomato, potato, and eggplant.

Response of Tomato Varieties and Organic Mulch on Growth and Products of Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill)

“…Tomato plants are one the most important vegetables after potatoes, eggplants, and chilies (Mahlangu et al, 2022). Tomatoes can be eaten raw, they are also used as a flavoring ingredient in dishes, vegetables or made into soy sauce and sauces.…”

Molecular confirmation of the presence of the South American tomato leafminer, Phthorimaea absoluta Meyrick, 1917 (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Lao PDR

“…The South American tomato leafminer (Phthorimaea (Tuta) absoluta Meyrick, 1917 [Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae]), a destructive pest of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. ), potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), and other solanaceous crops, is native to South America. It damages tomato plants by mining the leaves and boring into apical and flower buds and fruit (Rondon & Gao 2022) can cause crop losses of up to 80-100% (Desneux et al 2010;Mahlangu et al 2022) and poses a major threat to tomato production worldwide (Guimapi et al 2020). Damage to potato, which is less severe than damage caused to tomato, can reduce tuber production.…”

“…Damage to potato, which is less severe than damage caused to tomato, can reduce tuber production. Damage to eggplant is less severe and may not cause significant damage or crop losses (Mahlangu et al 2022). The leafminer was first recorded as an invasive pest in Europe in Spain in 2006.…”