Tuta absoluta
Serious tomato leafminer causing blotch mines and fruit damage.
Tuta absoluta is a highly damaging moth pest of tomato. Larvae mine leaves, stems and fruit, causing blotch mines, necrotic patches and entry holes in fruit. Populations build quickly in warm glasshouses. Biological control relies on egg parasitoids such as Trichogramma achaeae, and mirid predators including Macrolophus pygmaeus and Nesidiocoris tenuis. Traps, exclusion netting and strict sanitation are essential parts of the IPM programme.
Biological Controls for Tuta absoluta
The options below are examples of beneficial insects and biological products commonly used against tuta absoluta. Always refer to supplier guidance and product labels for crop safety and local registration status.
Information shown for reference only.
Trichogramma achaeae
Product: Tricholine TA
Environment: glasshouse
Temperature Range: 18.0 – 32.0°C
Rate: Not applicable (UK)
Frequency: Not applicable (UK)
Egg parasitoid for Tuta absoluta; start early at first moth flight.
Macrolophus pygmaeus + Nesidiocoris tenuis
Product: Macroline + Nesiline
Environment: glasshouse
Temperature Range: 20.0 – 32.0°C
Rate: 0.25–1 bug/m² each depending on crop
Frequency: Top up every 4–6 weeks
Mirid predators that attack Tuta eggs and larvae and also feed on whitefly.
Related Biological Solutions
Growers dealing with tuta absoluta often also monitor these pests as part of a complete IPM programme: