Effect of Temperature and Co2 on Population Growth of South American Tomato Moth, Tuta Absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) on Tomato

Abstract

The effects of different temperatures (26, 28, 30, and 32 degrees C) and CO2 concentrations (380 and 550 ppm) on the life table of Tuta absoluta were evaluated. The life history raw data of T. absoluta were analyzed by using the age-stage, two-sex life table. Results showed that increase in temperature reduced the larval developmental time of T. absoluta, whereas the elevated CO2 concentration (eCO(2)) extended the larval developmental time. Highest fecundity rate was recorded at 30 degrees C at ambient CO2 (aCO(2)) condition (88.10 eggs). Total fecundity significantly reduced under eCO(2) at 28 degrees C and 30 degrees C. There was a 5-10% higher mortality observed under eCO(2) than aCO(2) condition. With rise in temperature from 26-30 degrees C, T. absoluta reared under eCO(2) condition showed lower net reproductive rate, intrinsic and finite rate of increase in comparison to aCO(2). However, these parameters started decreasing at 32 degrees C under both eCO(2) and aCO(2) conditions.