Mating disruption of the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) on greenhouse tomatoes

Mating disruption is an important component of the integrated management system for the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick). This study showed that the dosage in the tubing dispensers is closely related to their attractiveness. E3Z8Z11-14:Ac and the binary mixture of E3Z8Z11-14:Ac and E3Z8-14:Ac at a dosage of 80 mg and a placement density of 900 polyethylene (PE) tube dispensers/ha significantly reduced the numbers of T. absoluta adults, larvae and damaged tomato leaves. When the adult density was low in the greenhouse, the relationship between the placement density of dispensers (x) and the number of moths caught (y) was y=310.6-1.06x+0.0008x², which is a typical competitive mating disruption. However, when the adult density was high, the regression equation was y=-1.112x+959.4. Both passive and active dispensers significantly reduced the damage rate and larval population, but the 900 tube dispensers/ha and active aerosol dispensers had the best control results. The effects of the competitive passive dispensers and the placement density of dispensers were influenced by the adult density. At high density, 900 tube dispensers/ha were required.