LIFE TABLE PARAMETERS OF SOUTH AMERICAN TOMATO MOTH TUTA ABSOLUTA (MEYRICK) (LEPIDOPTERA: GELECHIIDAE) UNDER SIMULATED TEMPERATURES AND CO2 ON POTATO

Abstract

Abiotic factors such as temperature and carbon dioxide (CO2) influence the growth of crops and phytophagous
insects, however, the effect of elevated temperature and CO2 on Tuta absoluta is not well understood till date. T. absoluta
have potential to cause 100% damage to the crop, if proper management practices. In the present study effect of elevated
CO2 (eCO2) levels and temperature on T. absoluta revealed that temperature and eCO2 (550 ppm) had a significant effect on
the life stages. The incubation period of eggs was found significantly reduced with the increase in temperatures both in
ambient (aCO2) and elevated (eCO2) conditions. The eCO2 had a significant effect on the life table parameters up to 30°C.
The duration of all larval stages of T. absoluta were decreased significantly with the increased temperatures. The pupal
period decreased significantly with the increase in temperatures in both aCO2 and eCO2 conditions. An eCO2 delayed the
pupal period significantly compared to the aCO2. The total pre-adult period was significantly longer in eCO2 than the aCO2
conditions and also, the pre-adult period decreased significantly with increase in temperatures. As eCO2 increase the larval
duration compared to aCO2 condition, the larva will get more time to feed on foliage resulting in greater damage to the
potato foliage