Predation Potential and Growth of <i>Nesidiocoris tenuis</i> (Reuter) on <i>Phthorimaea absoluta</i> (Meyrick)

Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae) is an effective predator of tomato pests. It is a promising biocontrol agent for Phthorimaea absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). This study determines the predation capacity and annual growth index of N. tenuis using CLIMEX in relation to weather parameters for P. absoluta. Two laboratory bioassays were conducted. Results showed that all instars of N. tenuis preyed on P. absoluta eggs and this increased significantly from the first instar to the adult stage. On petri dishes, the predation ranged from 20.40± 12.68 to 47.00± 9.94 eggs. On tomato plants, predation ranged from 6.60± 5.07 to 22.40± 7.82 eggs. Analysis showed that there existed a positive correlation with minimum temperature, rainfall, and morning and evening relative humidity, though these correlations were not significant.