Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes against Tuta absoluta

The South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is one of the most serious insect pests plants. Current control strategies for T. primarily involve use insecticides, but increasing resistance in field populations has prompted research on alternative measures. Biological with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) can be an or component Integrated Pest Management programme. In foliar application, EPNs encounter many factors that affect their survival and efficacy. This paper reports investigations into some these several EPN species; relative humidity (RH), temperature, time required by to enter a leaf number applications whole bioassays leaves. RH was important factor; efficacy decreased as declined. Steinernema feltiae effective species followed carpocapsae then Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. survived better at low than S. feltiae. two induced similar mortality 25 °C, more virulent lower temperatures (15 20 °C) while higher (30 35 °C). First second instar larvae compared third fourth larvae. used requires careful selection relation temperature environment crop maximise