Use of synthetic sexual pheromone for monitoring the seasonal fluctuation of Tuta absoluta in Planalto Norte of Santa Catarina State

Abstract

Seasonal fluctuation of the tomato leafworm Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) adults was
evaluated in Planalto Norte of Santa Catarina State from October/2002 to September/2003 using pheromone lures. The experiment was carried out from August to January and from February to July in tomatoes crops,
cultivated in greenhouses and in the field. Seasonal fluctuation of tomato leafworm adults varied in quantity of males captured in delta traps and in the period of occurrence, and among areas evaluated. Pest management system adopted by growers affected the standard of the population fluctuation in the studied areas. The monitoring process using sexual pheromone in delta traps was adequate to identify the time of tomato leafworm populational
increments, and has potential to be used to define thresholds for pest control.