Bio ecology and bio rational management of South American tomato moth

Abstract

T. absoluta is one of the serious pests attacking economically important solanaceous crops. It bores small pinholes in the fruits near calyx and makes the fruits unfit for marketing. To manage the devastating pest- T. absoluta below economic threshold level, a majority of the countries are using synthetic pesticides. These chemical pesticides are hazardous to environment as well as producers and consumers. Frequent use of synthetic chemicals has led the T. absoluta population to develop resistance to insecticides in many countries. It has already developed resistance to methamidophos, abamectin, permethrin and cartap in Brazil (Siqueira et al., 2000a, b; 2001). In Argentina, it has developed resistance to deltamethrin, methamidophos and abamectin (Lietti et al., 2005). In Chile, it has developed resistance to pyrethroid and organophosphates (Salazar and Araya, 1997; 2001). Therefore, it is important to develop an eco-friendly Integrated Pest Management (IPM) module for this pest. newlineIn the present study, the host-effect on the life table parameters of T. absoluta was addressed. By doing so, the favourable host was found. In addition, one can pinpoint the weakest link in the life cycle of this pest, which can be exploited during planning pest management strategies. The effect of elevated temperature and CO2 on the life table parameters on three hosts were evaluated, so that in future one can be ready with management tool with respect to changing environmental conditions. The yield loss caused by T. absoluta is helpful for developing prediction models for the pest was also determined. Finally, the different eco-friendly biorational tools for the management of T. absoluta without using any hazardous chemical insecticide were also bio-assayed. newline