Biological control of Tuta absoluta in Argentina and Italy: evaluation of indigenous insects as natural enemies

LUNA, MG; SÁNCHEA NE; PEREYRA PC; NIEVES E; SAVINO V; LUFT E; VIRLA E; SPERANZA E

EPPO Bulletin

Wiley-Blackwell

Año: 2012 vol. 42 p. 260 - 267

1365-2338

We are studying biological and ecological attributes as well as some aspects of parasitoid-host interaction of T. absoluta egg and larval parasitoids, in the laboratory and in the field. Currently, our results indicate that immature T. absoluta stages are attacked by a parasitoid community spontaneously present in tomato crops in Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Italy. Especially for the larval stage, the parasitoid wasps Pseudapanteles dignus and Dineulophus phtorimaeae are proven to coexist in the field and show positive characteristics to be considered as biocontrol agents against the pest by means of augmentative releases. As forthcoming studies we are focused on field evaluation of effective biological control achieved by P. dignus and/or D. pthorimaeae, their compatibility with an IPM on tomato, and the assessment of economic feasibility of parasitoid mass rearing.