Population parameters of the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) on wild tomato species

Abstract

In this study, the effects of five wild tomato species (Solanum chilense, Solanum corneliomulleri, Solanum neorickii, Solanum huaylesense and Solanum pennellii) on the life table parameters of Tuta absoluta were determined for the first time, and the larval development time, lifespan, pupal period, fecundity, and female/male longevity were also estimated. According to the data obtained from the study, S. chilense was determined as the most suitable species for the development of T. absoluta. Among the wild tomato species, S. corneliomulleri and S. neorickii were determined as the most effective hosts against T. absoluta in terms of the intrinsic rate of increase, net reproductive rate, mean generation time, gross reproduction rate, population doubling time, and finite rate of increase than the other species. These two species were also effective against the pest on the egg, larval development, total longevity, and fecundity. According to these results, S. corneliomulleri and S. neorickii are viable candidates for the development of new resistant tomato genotypes to T. absoluta.