Biocontrol Science and Technology (2017) 27, 525-538

Ézio Marques da Silva, Ricardo Siqueira da Silva, Nilson Rodrigues-Silva, Carla do Carmo Milagres, Leandro Bacci and Marcelo Coutinho Picanço (2017)
Assessment of the natural control of Neoleucinodes elegantalis in tomato cultivation using ecological life tables
Biocontrol Science and Technology 27 (4), 525-538
Abstract: Life table studies allow for a better understanding of mortality factors against insect pests. It assesses each mortality factor and its parameters in population suppression. Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is one of the major pests of solanaceous crops in South America. The background information provided by life table studies might be used for developing management strategies for controlling N. elegantalis. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify and quantify the mortality factors of N. elegantalis in tomato cultivation by using life tables. The results were obtained from 64 ecological life tables. The mortality factors for eggs, larvae and pupae were due to rain, fruit drop, predation, parasitism and unviability caused by physiological disorder and diseases. The percentage of total death for eggs, larvae and pupae were 64.2%, 24.9% and 5.93%, respectively. The highest rates of mortality were caused by predation and parasitism. Thus, mortality of N. elegantalis caused by natural enemies might be used as a basis for determining which methods are better for controlling N. elegantalis while having the lowest possible impact on its natural enemies.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Leandro Bacci, Marcelo Coutinho Picanco

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Neoleucinodes elegantalis	Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)