Abundance of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) and its natural enemies on tomato crops in greenhouses of different production modes (Azores, Portugal) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is a major pest of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) crops produced in the Azorean greenhouses. Despite concerns, no systematic study available to describe population dynamics T. and its natural enemies. The objective this was compare abundance (eggs larvae) native enemies, greenhouses under different production modes (biological, traditional intensive). A sampling program carried out during 2020-2021 two seasons spring-summer fall-winter. eggs larvae were higher intensive lower biological mode. Infestations by seasons. enemies recorded Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur, 1839) (Hemiptera: Miridae), Dicyphus cerastii Wagner, 1951 Miridae) Trichogramma achaeaeNagaraja & Nagarkatti, 1960 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). very low and, virtually, do not occur fall-winter We found significant difference between M. amongst from mode but D. more abundant on Parasitism rate achaeae does differ crop Considering concerns growers infestation levels their crops, together with we suggest use or an inoculative augmentative strategy control productions modes.