Seasonal abundance of tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) on tomato in Western Maharashtra, India

Abstract

An investigation was undertaken to study seasonal abundance of tomato pinworm, T. absoluta on field tomato in Western Maharashtra, India. The results showed that the infestation level of T. absoluta was low during the early phonological cycle of the crop. However, with the advancement of the crop, it was developed. Recorded population data was correlated with weather parameters. It was noticed that in Kharif correlation of larval population, leaf mines per plant, and fruit infestation by the pest is significantly positive with maximum temperature (0C) and sunshine (hours/day). However, it was negative and significant with minimum temperature (0C) and evening relative humidity. In Rabi, the correlation of the larval population was significantly positive with maximum temperature (0C) and significantly negative with rainfall.