Tuta absoluta
Serious tomato leafminer causing blotch mines and fruit damage.
Tuta absoluta is a highly damaging moth pest of tomato. Larvae mine leaves, stems and fruit, causing blotch mines, necrotic patches and entry holes in fruit. Populations build quickly in warm glasshouses. Biological control relies on egg parasitoids such as Trichogramma achaeae, and mirid predators including Macrolophus pygmaeus and Nesidiocoris tenuis. Traps, exclusion netting and strict sanitation are essential parts of the IPM programme.
Biological Controls for Tuta absoluta
The options below are examples of beneficial insects and biological products commonly used against tuta absoluta. Always refer to supplier guidance and product labels for crop safety and local registration status.
Information shown for reference only.
Trichogramma achaeae
Product: Tricholine TA
Environment: glasshouse
Temperature Range: 18.0 – 32.0°C
Rate: Not applicable (UK)
Frequency: Not applicable (UK)
Egg parasitoid for Tuta absoluta; start early at first moth flight.
Macrolophus pygmaeus
Product: Macroline
Environment: all
Temperature Range: 18.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: 1–2/m²
Frequency: introduce early; repeat/top up as needed
Generalist mirid predator used in protected crops; establish early for best results.
Information shown for reference only.
Nesidiocoris tenuis
Product: Nesiline
Environment: all
Temperature Range: 18.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: Not applicable (UK)
Frequency: Not applicable (UK)
Reference only: not approved for outdoor release in Great Britain. Use only under authorised protected-crop conditions where permitted.
Related Biological Solutions
Growers dealing with tuta absoluta often also monitor these pests as part of a complete IPM programme: