Research Article

Seasonal population changes and damage assessment of tomato leafminer [Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)] in tomato and potato fields in İzmir

Volume: 65 Number: 4 January 1, 2026
TR EN

Seasonal population changes and damage assessment of tomato leafminer [Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)] in tomato and potato fields in İzmir

Abstract

The study investigated the population dynamics and damage caused by Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in tomato as well as both early and late-season potato crops in Tire and Ödemiş districts of İzmir, Türkiye, during 2019-2020. Weekly samplings were conducted to monitor T. absoluta population fluctuations. Delta-type pheromone traps were used to capture and count adult moths. To determine the percentage of infested plants and the severity of leaf damage, 100 plants in each field were examined weekly. In tomato fields, the rate of infested fruit was assessed by inspecting 500 fruits (five replicates of 100 fruits) per field. T. absoluta adults were captured in pheromone traps throughout the year, indicating continuous pest pressure. Adult populations increased with the onset of the growing season, coinciding with crop development. The infestation rate was 100% in tomatoes and late-crop potatoes, demonstrating the pest's significant impact. The infestation rate was lower in early-crop potatoes and reached 22%. The maximum leaf damage observed in tomatoes was 4.5 mines per compound leaf. Fruit infestation rates in tomato fields ranged from 19.4% to 24.4%, highlighting the serious threat posed by T. absoluta to tomato fruit production. Although an intensive spraying program is applied, the high damage rate on fruits can be considered an indicator that only chemicals are not enough to control the pest. For this reason, it should be considered a necessity to establish ‘Integrated Pest Control Programs’ that will also include ‘Cultural Measures’ and ‘Biological Control’ practices.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Aydın Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Rektörlüğü Araştırma Fonu

Project Number

Yüksek Lisans Tez Projesi ZRF 19027

Ethical Statement

Yayın Etik Kuralları çerçevesinde belirtilen 'Yazarların Etik Sorumlulukları' nı yerine getirdiğimizi beyan ederiz.

Thanks

Yürüttüğümüz bu Yüksek Lisans tez çalışmasını (ZRF 19027) destekleyen Aydın Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Rektörlüğüne teşekkür ederiz.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Entomology in Agriculture

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

January 1, 2026

Submission Date

February 7, 2024

Acceptance Date

July 28, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 65 Number: 4

APA
Çaylak, B., & Başpınar, H. (2026). Seasonal population changes and damage assessment of tomato leafminer [Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)] in tomato and potato fields in İzmir. Plant Protection Bulletin, 65(4), 69-77. https://doi.org/10.16955/bitkorb.1432757
AMA
1.Çaylak B, Başpınar H. Seasonal population changes and damage assessment of tomato leafminer [Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)] in tomato and potato fields in İzmir. Plant Protection Bulletin. 2026;65(4):69-77. doi:10.16955/bitkorb.1432757
Chicago
Çaylak, Bahar, and Hüseyin Başpınar. 2026. “Seasonal Population Changes and Damage Assessment of Tomato Leafminer [Tuta Absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)] in Tomato and Potato Fields in İzmir”. Plant Protection Bulletin 65 (4): 69-77. https://doi.org/10.16955/bitkorb.1432757.
EndNote
Çaylak B, Başpınar H (January 1, 2026) Seasonal population changes and damage assessment of tomato leafminer [Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)] in tomato and potato fields in İzmir. Plant Protection Bulletin 65 4 69–77.
IEEE
[1]B. Çaylak and H. Başpınar, “Seasonal population changes and damage assessment of tomato leafminer [Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)] in tomato and potato fields in İzmir”, Plant Protection Bulletin, vol. 65, no. 4, pp. 69–77, Jan. 2026, doi: 10.16955/bitkorb.1432757.
ISNAD
Çaylak, Bahar - Başpınar, Hüseyin. “Seasonal Population Changes and Damage Assessment of Tomato Leafminer [Tuta Absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)] in Tomato and Potato Fields in İzmir”. Plant Protection Bulletin 65/4 (January 1, 2026): 69-77. https://doi.org/10.16955/bitkorb.1432757.
JAMA
1.Çaylak B, Başpınar H. Seasonal population changes and damage assessment of tomato leafminer [Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)] in tomato and potato fields in İzmir. Plant Protection Bulletin. 2026;65:69–77.
MLA
Çaylak, Bahar, and Hüseyin Başpınar. “Seasonal Population Changes and Damage Assessment of Tomato Leafminer [Tuta Absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)] in Tomato and Potato Fields in İzmir”. Plant Protection Bulletin, vol. 65, no. 4, Jan. 2026, pp. 69-77, doi:10.16955/bitkorb.1432757.
Vancouver
1.Bahar Çaylak, Hüseyin Başpınar. Seasonal population changes and damage assessment of tomato leafminer [Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)] in tomato and potato fields in İzmir. Plant Protection Bulletin. 2026 Jan. 1;65(4):69-77. doi:10.16955/bitkorb.1432757

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