A parasitoid wasp allied with an entomopathogenic virus to control Tuta absoluta

The South American tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta, is a major threat to tomato production worldwide. In a semi-field experiment, we assessed the efficacy of the parasitoid wasp Necremnus tutae and the Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus (PhopGV), used alone and in combination, in controlling T. absoluta. The parasitoid, used alone and in combination with PhopGV resulted in significantly reduced numbers of T. absoluta adults. Both agents, used alone and in combination, caused a significant and similar damage reduction. Releasing N. tutae in sufficient quantities at the right time could keep the pest under control. However, combining it with PhopGV might provide more flexibility in the timing of application. Further research should be conducted to determine the appropriate doses of N. tutae and PhopGV when applied at different times and on different population densities of T. absoluta.