Evaluation of relative suitability of six cultivars of potato to the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Lep.: Gelechidae)

The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), is an important pest of potato, Solanum tuberosum L., in the world. In this research, life history parameters of this pest were studied on six potato cultivars including: Impala, Agria, Savalan, Florida, Emeraude and Markies. The development time of larvae on Florida and Impala was significantly longer than of that on Markies and Emeraude. The lowest survival rate from egg to adult was observed on Florida (60.48%). The number of eggs laid per female on Florida was significantly lower than on Agria, Savalan, Markies and Emeraude, but no significant difference was found between Impala and Florida. The lowest intrinsic rate of increase (rm) (0.058 day-1) and the lowest finite rate of increase (λ) (1.059 day-1) were recorded on Florida. Moreover, the longest generation time (T) (33.60 days) and the longest doubling time (DT) (11.93 days) was significantly observed on Florida. Therefore, it could be concluded that Florida is the least suitable host to T. absoluta amongst the six tested cultivars of potato. These results could be useful in integrated management programs of T. absoluta in potato fields.