Food consumption by Keiferia lycopersicella (Walsingham) in the protected production of tomato

Consumo de alimento por Keiferia lycopersicella (Walsingham) en tomate en casas de cultivos protegidos

Aliuska Sierra Peña^I*, Edilberto Pozo Velázquez^II, Leelawattie Persaud^I

^IUniversity of Ciego de Ávila. ^*E-mail: pfa_aliuska@unica.cu.
^IICenter of agricultural investigations of the University Center of Las Villas. ]]>  

Tomato yields (Solanum lycopersicom (Mill) in protected production are reduced due to insect pests, including Keiferia lycopersicella (Walsingham), which has become a key pest. This insect can consume up to 60% leaf area in its IV instar. The measures to control this pest by using chemicals under these protected conditions over a period of time have created insect-resistance. Studies were carried out to determine food consumption by Keiferia lycopersicella (Walsingham) in tomato crops under protected conditions in the dry season, where two houses was chosen (1D and 6B). To conduct these studies, two tomato cultivars were used. Samples were taken following the methodology established by Murgido and Vera (1999), where the area of consumption for each instar and leaflets was determined. In the house (6B) the consumption was higher in the west followed by the north and the average area consumed by each of the instars was higher in the last instar. Results of this study provide a deeper understanding of Keiferia lycopersicella (Walsingham) and the possibility of better control of this pest. ]]>