Natural enemies associated with Tuta absoluta and functional biodiversity in vegetable crops

Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is considered one of the main pests threatening tomato production worldwide. In Mediterranean, use predatory mirids widespread, and although several larval parasitoid species have been recorded in area, their contribution to biological control pest often neglected. With general objective improving T. absoluta, our field study aimed determine relative abundance natural enemies associated with fields assess whether insectary plants placed vicinity vegetable crops would help improve functional biodiversity farms. The was conducted during two years six commercial Northeast Spain that were managed using an integrated management program based on mirid conservation. Our results indicated Necremnus tutae Ribes & Bernardo (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) by far enemy responsible for parasitism absoluta. flowering used present attractive are interest not only but also other coexisting at farm level, including wasps, hoverflies, important beneficials, such as Orius spp., ladybeetles thrips.