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

Abstract

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