Life stage predatory performance and functional response of Nesidiocoris tenuis to Phthorimaea absoluta

Résumé

The tomato leaf miner Phthorimaea (Tuta) absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is an important invasive pest native to South America that causes damage to solanaceous crops in many parts of the world. Under laboratory conditions, the predatory capacity of Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae) was assessed on P. absoluta life stages. All N. tenuis life stages preferred eggs, 1st to 3rd instar larvae of P. absoluta over 4th instar and pupa. In addition, adult N. tenuis fed voraciously on eggs (4.78 ± 0.33 within 48h) and the 1st instar (4.12 ± 0.28 within 48h) of P. absoluta. Seven prey densities ranging from 5 to 110 eggs per leaf and 1st instar larva per individual petri dishes were exposed to adult female and the 5th nymphal stage of the predator for a functional response study. Adult and 5th nymphal N. tenuis females showed type III functional predatory response to varying densities of P. absoluta. The attack rate of adult female preying on 1st instar larva was the highest (0.025 h−1). The highest handling time was recorded for the 5th nymphal stage that fed on 1st instar larva (0.030 h). Life stage-specific application of N. tenuis should be advocated to improve the biological control of P. absoluta. In tomato-based agroecosystems in Ghana, mature females and late nymphs of N. tenuis should be released during peak egg laying periods and early larval stages of the pest. Predation on vulnerable stages will increase thereby decreasing insect numbers before the larvae mine into the plant and are shielded by plant tissue. To sustainably manage P. absoluta in Ghana, pheromone monitoring, botanical insecticides and cultural practices should be used along with biological control using N. tenuis and other compatible biocontrol agents.

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