A Newly Emerged Pest of Tomato [Tomato Leaf Miner, Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)]: In Bangladesh – A Review on Its Problems and Management Strategies

Abstract

Worldwide, tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the most devastating invasive pests of tomato crops. It is one of the most important biotic constraints for tomato production which may lead to the production loss up to 100% if it cannot be controlled. T. absoluta comprises four developmental stages: egg, larvae, pupa, and adult with a rapid growth rate. Among these larvae is the most devastating stage which affects the fruit, leaves, and stem. Recently, T. absoluta is turned into a key pest of tomato in Bangladesh. This pest was first detected by IPM lab, Horticulture Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh from a commercial tomato grower in the village of Chaklarhat (26019’N, 88043’E) under the Tunirhat union of Panchagarh Sadar Upazila, Panchagarh district of Bangladesh in May 2016. Since its introduction in 2016, there was no sound action plan implemented. Therefore, this paper focused on relevant scientific knowledge regarding its biology, potential damage and different control measures which will open the windows for future researches for efficient and sustainable management strategies against T. absoluta in Bangladesh.