EFFICACY OF MASS TRAPPING OF TOMATO LEAFMINER (TUTA ABSOLUTA) WITH DIFFERENT TYPES AND COLOURS OF TRAPS IN OPEN-FIELD TOMATO

As a limiting factor on tomato production, tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) has recently been considered as the main tomato pest. Different control methods should be considered for integrated pest management. This study was carried out to control T. absoluta by using pheromones and traps of five different colours (red, yellow, blue, white, black) and three different types (ferolite, water pan, roll) in combination at trial plots in Dardanos and Dumrek and Ciplak villages in canakkale province, Turkey. A randomized plot experimental design was implemented and traps were controlled and counted twice a week. Ferolite traps were determined to have the most success in capturing adults, followed by water and roll traps. The highest number of adults was captured with the colours black and white regardless of trap type, whereas the lowest number of adults was captured with yellow traps. It was observed upon comparing the capture rates of T. absoluta adults subject to trap type that 49% of the adults were counted in the ferolite traps. Water pans and roll traps followed the ferolite trap with 38% and 13%, respectively. Results indicate that mass trapping is effective in reducing the pest population in open-field tomato cultivars.