Preference and Performance of the Tomato Leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera - Gelechiidae) Towards Three Solanaceous Host Plant Species

Younes Ahmad Aly^1*, Zohdy, Z. M. Nawal¹, Abul Fadl Hazem² & Fathy Reham²

¹ Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
² Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt

Aly Younes, A., Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.

Keywords: Ovipositional Preference; Development; Performance; T. absoluta

Abstract

The tomato leaf-miner, Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera - Gelechiidae), is a widespread insect develops on many important solanaceous crops. The preference and performance of its host range could help in understanding and preventing the dispersion behavior of this pest in the environment. A choice experiment with whole plants was conducted with three selected hosts: tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill), potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) to examine adult ovipositional preference. T. absoluta performances taking into consideration larval, pupal and adult development and survival parameters were conducted. The females preferred tomato to lay their eggs in the triple- or dual-choice experiments. Also, performance of larvae showed growth preference with tomato plants. Survivorship of larvae, pupae and adults with tomato plants was also the most profound. A significant correlation was obtained between the ovipositional preference and fitness levels (performance) of larvae, pupae and adults. This study indicates high ovipositional preference was correlated with short developmental times and high survival rates of T. absoluta which may relate to a suitable food quality.

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