Scientific and methodologic basis for Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) early detection and rapid response in Cuba
Keywords:
Risk reduction, tomato leaf miner, predatory mirids, biological control, integrated pest managementAbstract
Introduction: The invasion of exotic species is one of the main threats to ecosystems and biodiversity, with a direct impact on the economy.
Objective: To design a program for the early detection, rapid response and application of measures to minimize possible damages produced by the invasive pest Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), before its eventual introduction into Cuba.
Methods: It was designed a prevention and damage mitigation program to deal with the insect through the evaluation of the response of the microlepidoptera against the Cuban tomato cultivar Vyta and the potentialities of two mirid predators: Macrolophus basicornis (Stal) and Engytatus varians (Distant) as biological control agents through interaction and food preference studies against T. absolute and alternative preys. It was updated the presence of predators in Solanaceae (tomato and tobacco) in Cuba.
Results: The values of the biological parameters of T. absoluta on Vyta were low. Likewise, the leaf miner showed preference for the upper and middle strata of the plants for laying eggs and larval feeding, however Vyta was less preferred for oviposition in comparison with the rest of the cultivars assessed, which demonstrates its resistance against the insect. Mirids showed higher consumption of eggs and first instar larvae, with positive combination of both predator species for the control. They are confirmed potentialities of mirids as biological control agents and M. basicornis is selected as the most promising candidate based on the food preference methodology used. Likewise, M. basicornis completes its lifespan and remains in the crop fed with aphids as alternative prey.
Conclusions: The new findings, together with the training of specialized personnel, strengthen the scientific and methodological bases within a program of prevention and mitigation of the impact of T. absoluta in Cuba.
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