The Differential Impacts of Tuta absoluta Infestations on Some Nutrient and Pigments contents of Tomato Plant Leaves

Tomato is one of the most important vegetable crops cultivated in Egypt. Tuta absoluta is a devastating insect pest that causes tremendous damage to tomato’s fields. An experiment was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture Farm, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt to study the effect of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) infestation on tomato leaf contents of nutrients (Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium) along with photosynthetic pigments (Carotene and Chlorophyll a + b). The results shows that plants with un-infested leaves had higher mean levels of calcium, potassium, and magnesium compared to infested plants. Regarding the effect of T. absoluta infestation on carotene and (A+B) in tomato leaves, the results indicate a significant difference for the average contents of carotene and Chlorophyll a + b between the un-infested and infested tomato leaves. This study highlights the differential risk of T. absoluta infestations in tomato production.