Spatial parasitism patterns of two parasitoids of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae): the ectoparasitoid Dineulophus phtorimaeae and the endoparasitoid Pseudapanteles dignus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae, Braconidae) in tomato crops

PEREYRA, P.C.; LUNA, M.G.; NIEVES, E.; SÁNCHEZ, N.E

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Congreso; Biological Control in the Americas, Past, Present & Future; 2010

International Organization for Biological Control

Knowledge about the multiple interacting species in a host-parasitoid relationship is essential in the practice of biological control. We provide information about the spatial parasitism patterns of two parasitoids of the tomato moth Tuta absoluta, at plant, leaf, and leaflet scales in an organic tomato crop of La Plata (Argentina). We estimated host density, host and parasitoids spatial distribution, probability and risk of parasitism, and spatial density dependence of both parasitoid species. Results suggest that differences in the spatial parasitism patterns of both parasitoids could promote their field coexistence.