%0 Journal Article
%T Population Development of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) under Simulated UK Glasshouse Conditions
%A Andrew G. S. Cuthbertson
%A James J. Mathers
%A Lisa F. Blackburn
%A Anastasia Korycinska
%A Weiqi Luo
%A Robert J. Jacobson
%A Phil Northing
%J Insects
%D 2013
%I MDPI AG
%R 10.3390/insects4020185
%X Tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is a major pest of tomato plants in South America. It was first recorded in the UK in 2009 where it has been subjected to eradication policies. The current work outlines T. absoluta development under various UK glasshouse temperatures. The optimum temperature for Tuta development ranged from 19¨C23 ˇăC. At 19 ˇăC, there was 52% survival of T. absoluta from egg to adult. As temperature increased (23 ˇăC and above) development time of the moth would appear to decrease. Population development ceases between 7 and 10 ˇăC. Only 17% of eggs hatched at 10 ˇăC but no larvae developed through to adult moths. No eggs hatched when maintained at 7 ˇăC. Under laboratory conditions the total lifespan of the moth was longest (72 days) at 13 ˇăC and shortest (35 days) at both 23 and 25 ˇăC. Development from egg to adult took 58 days at 13 ˇăC; 37 days at 19 ˇăC and 23 days at 25 ˇăC. High mortality of larvae occurred under all temperatures tested. First instar larvae were exposed on the leaf surface for approximately 82 minutes before fully tunnelling into the leaf. Adult longevity was longest at 10 ˇăC with moths living for 40 days and shortest at 19 ˇăC where they survived for 16 days. Generally more males than females were produced. The potential of Tuta absoluta to establish populations within UK protected horticulture is discussed.
%K integrated pest management
%K lifespan
%K population development
%K tomato
%U http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/4/2/185