Seasonal Abundance and Population Dynamics of Chrysoperla spp. in Tomato Agroecosystems

The study investigated the seasonal abundance and population dynamics of Chrysoperla spp. on tomato crops across two consecutive years, focusing on the influence of environmental factors and prey availability. Observations revealed distinct peaks in egg (4.2 eggs/plant in the 16ᵗʰ SMW, 2023; 1.6 eggs/plant in the 16ᵗʰ SMW, 2024) and larval densities (2.4 larvae/plant in the 16ᵗʰ SMW, 2023; 2.0 larvae/plant in the 15ᵗʰ SMW, 2024). Maximum and minimum temperatures positively correlated with egg (r=0.492*), larval (r=0.662**), and pupal (r=0.504*) stages, while high morning and evening relative humidity negatively impacted all developmental stages. Adult populations showed moderate peaks (0.6 adults/plant in 16th SMW, 2023; 19th SMW, 2024) but were also constrained by high humidity levels. Prey availability, particularly whitefly and jassid populations, exhibited a supplementary role in supporting larval development. Comparisons with previous studies revealed consistent trends, with optimal temperatures and low humidity favouring Chrysoperla populations, while excessive moisture inhibited their activity. The study emphasises the importance of temperature and prey abundance in regulating Chrysoperla population dynamics, underscoring its significant role as a biological control agent in tomato agroecosystems. Integrating Chrysoperla into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, alongside climate-optimized practices, can effectively enhance pest suppression and ensure sustainable crop protection.