Tuta absoluta, Tomato Leaf Miner

Mass Trapping

Russell IPM recommends TUA-Optima and TUA-500 for mass trapping of Tuta absoluta particularly in protected tomato cultivation. The high capture rate observed with these pheromones helps to reduce Tuta population in greenhouses – particularly if insect exclusion nets and tight doors are also used. Mass trapping is a technique that involves placing a higher number of traps in the crop field in various strategic positions to remove a sufficiently high proportion of male insects from the pest population. It is widely used in conjunction with other control measures, as an integrated pest management programme to achieve an acceptable level of damage and to reduce the reliance on insecticide treatments. Mass trapping is a potential option for open field production. However, for practical reasons, application in protected agriculture has a higher chance of success.

Use the pheromone in conjunction with Ferolite, a self-contained, ready-to-use solar powered trap which incorporates a specific wavelength of light in addition to the Tuta pheromone lure.

Tuta Roll

TutaRoll and Tuta+ are alternative innovative solutions for the management of Tuta absoluta. These products are sticky rolls with the Tuta absoluta pheromone incorporated into the sticky glue with the pheromone gradually released from the adhesive layer. Russell IPM offers two types of sticky rolls, one is the clear sticky film TutaRoll and the other is the yellow coloured Tuta+. The clear film TutaRoll is suitable for green houses where beneficial insects are being used as biological control.

Trap Density

Optiroll Tuta+ is a yellow sticky roll where Tuta absoluta pheromone is incorporated with glue and releases from the adhesive layer. Tutaroll+ is specially designed for greenhouses where beneficials are not in use as a biological control agent. It is one cost effective, pre-baited, ready to use trap. This roll can be used for the mass trapping and control of Tuta absoluta in green houses.
Advantages:
• Captures Tuta absoluta and captures white fly and aphids.
• Can be used for mass trapping as well as monitoring.
• A Safe, simple and environmentally sound solution.

Trap Position

The following bio-agents could be used to control Tuta absoluta:
• Trichogramma pertiosum
• Trichogramma achaeae
• Macrolophus pygmaeus
• Nesidiocoris tenuis
• Nabis pseudoferus

The egg parasitoid Trichogramma achaeae has been identified as a candidate for biological control of the South American Tomato Pinworm, Tuta absoluta. On greenhouse conditions a high efficacy, 91.74 % of damage reduction was obtained when releasing 30 adults/ plant (75 adults/ m2) every 3-4 days on August and September of 2008 in the southeast of Spain (Cabello et al., 2009).

The use of biological pest control, the damsel bug Nabis pseudoferus, is being studied to be applied in Spanish greenhouses. Two semi field bioassays on tomato plants, under controlled conditions, have shown an important reduction in the number of eggs of Tuta absoluta, between 92 and 96 %, when releasing 8 or 12 first stage nymphs of Nabis pseudoferus per plant (Cabello et al., 2009).

Microbial Control

Implementation of microbial control products, such as Antario from Russell IPM has shown success in Tuta control. The naturally occurring soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki has exhibited a satisfactory efficacy against Tuta absoluta larval infestations. Delayed application of Bacillus thuringiensis may cause higher insect mortality as the insects become more susceptible to the pathogen after a longer period of feeding on the resistant crop. It is reported that in a combined application of mass release of Trichogramma pertiosum and Bacillus thuringiensis resulted fruit damage only 2 % in South America.

The entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae could be caused female’s mortality up to 37.14%. Laboratory studies indicated Beauveria bassiana could cause 68% larval mortality. Russell IPM produces Recharge containing active microbial compounds against Tuta absoluta.

Application Guidelines

The following notes are guidelines of general nature and meant to give the user a head start in implementing pheromone monitoring program. Local conditions and practices can vary and can lead to customization of the program.

Trap Selection

The delta trap is most sensitive trap to use for monitoring Tuta absoluta. However, locally made water trap could be used to capture adult moths. Do not re-use the trap to monitor different insects as this may lead to mixed catches.

Trap Density

Two traps per hectare (2 traps/ ha) for small holdings and in field of uneven topography. One trap for every two hectares of large scale fields of homogeneous lands.

Trap Position

Near the highest point of the plant using supporting posts approximately 1 meter high or higher if the crop is higher.

Data and Interpretation

Collect data weekly from the start of the flight of the over wintering generation. During the height of the population more frequent reading may be needed. Decisions on pesticide application should not be taken solely on the trap catch data. Climatic and biological considerations should be taken in account.

Lures

Lures can be changed every 4-6 weeks to get the most accurate results.

Lures Handling

Pheromone lures are a very sensitive tool. They can be affected by exposure to high heat and direct sunlight. Direct contact with the hand may cause cross contamination leading to mixed catches in the trap. Some pollutants such as nicotine may have repellent effect of reducing trap catch.

Lures Storage

Store the pheromone in a cool, dry place. Service life may vary from 3-36 months depending on the storage temperature. See data sheet for details