Honigeinlagerung

Combining host plant resistance and natural enemies is a promising strategy against Phthorimaea (Tuta) absoluta, a major tomato pest. Therefore, understanding how plant resistance traits affect natural enemies can provide key insights for selecting or breeding tomato genotypes that enhance both pest resistance and biocontrol. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of three biological control agents on six tomato genotypes exhibiting various resistance levels to P. absoluta under laboratory conditions. First, we determined parasitism by the egg parasitoid Trichogramma achaeae on hosts from parents reared on the different tomato genotypes, either isolated or provided on the tomato plant. Second, we assessed parasitism by the larval parasitoid Necremnus tutae on tomato genotypes hosting P. absoluta larvae. Finally, we evaluated the predatory efficacy of the mirid Macrolophus pygmaeus on tomatoes hosting P. absoluta eggs and larvae, all derived from parents reared on the respective genotypes, along with nymphal survival, both in the presence and absence of P. absoluta eggs. Parasitism and emergence rates of T. achaeae and N. tutae were not significantly affected by susceptible tomatoes, the resistant domesticated Corona F1, or the resistant wild Solanum neorickii, all presenting relatively low densities of glandular trichomes. Only minor effects were visible, such as smaller P. absoluta eggs laid by moths reared on Corona F1 resulting in reduced proportion of female T. achaeae offspring, and larvae from S. neorickii reducing the proportion of female N. tutae offspring. Additionally, M. pygmaeus consumed fewer eggs on Corona F1 than on S. neorickii and susceptible tomatoes. In contrast, the resistant wild tomato S. arcanum, presenting a high density of glandular trichomes, impaired T. achaeae performance, reduced N. tutae parasitism, and negatively impacted M. pygmaeus predatory efficacy and nymphal development. The implications of plant defense traits in integrated management of P. absoluta are discussed.