Management of the Tomato Leaf Miner Tuta absoluta in Tunisia: A Three Years’ Survey

Abstract

Tuta absoluta is considered as one of the most devastating pest causing significant losses to tomato production worldwide. Thus, the knowledge of its biological characteristics makes its management less challenging. Here, the population dynamics of this pest was monitored in protected tomato crop in Takelsa region (Northeastern of Tunisia). Monitoring the flight activity of males by pheromone traps and leaf sampling revealed the presence of four generations. A maximum of 120 males / trap / week and 74.66 larvae / 40 leaves were recorded on May 13, 2016. Furthermore, there was a significant linear relationship between trapped adults and laid egg