Preference and Performance of the Tomato Leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera - Gelechiidae) Towards Three Solanaceous Host Plant Species

The tomato leaf-miner, Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera - Gelechiidae), is a widespread insect\ndevelops on many important solanaceous crops. The preference and performance of its host range\ncould help in understanding and preventing the dispersion behavior of this pest in the environment. A\nchoice experiment with whole plants was conducted with three selected hosts: tomato (Lycopersicum\nesculentum Mill), potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) to examine adult\novipositional preference. T. absoluta performances taking into consideration larval, pupal and adult\ndevelopment and survival parameters were conducted. The females preferred tomato to lay their eggs\nin the triple- or dual-choice experiments. Also, performance of larvae showed growth preference\nwith tomato plants. Survivorship of larvae, pupae and adults with tomato plants was also the most\nprofound. A significant correlation was obtained between the ovipositional preference and fitness\nlevels (performance) of larvae, pupae and adults. This study indicates high ovipositional preference was correlated with short developmental times and high survival rates of T. absoluta which may relate to a suitable food quality.