Population Dynamics of Tomato Leafminer Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelichiidae), On Two Tomato Varieties Tomallow and Cartier in the Kabylia Region (Algeria)

Abstract

The tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta is a potentially dangerous pest for growing greenhouse tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill). The objective of this study is to follow the bioecology of the tomato leafminer on two hybrid varieties of tomato Cartier and Tomallow under greenhouse in the region of Azeffoun on the coast of Kabylia. The study showed that the evolution over time of the numbers of adult males of the leafminer is under the control of the climatic conditions, in particular the temperature and the air humidity. The presence of this pest was noted for most of the sampling period. Five generations are registered on both varieties. Observations indicate that there expresses a preference for the Tomallow variety. Otherwise, the infestation is more important on the intermediate and apical leaflets, the females of this pest express a preference for the underside of the leaflets to deposit their eggs and this for both varieties studied.