A parasitoid wasp allied with an entomopathogenic virus to control Tuta absoluta

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is a major threat to worldwide tomato production, and sustainable management methods are needed. Betabaculovirus phoperculellae (PhopGV) and the parasitoid wasp Necremnus tutae Ribes & Bernardo (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were identified as promising biocontrol agents of this pest. Since the virus is most effective against first instar larvae, whereas the parasitoid targets older ones, combining both agents could result in increased pest control. We conducted a replicated semi-field experiment to evaluate the control efficacy of N. tutae and PhopGV when used alone and in combination against T. absoluta and their compatibility over an entire growth period. Combining the two agents achieved the highest larval (−24 %) and crop damage (−29 %) reduction cumulated over the entire experiment. However, there was no significant additive effect of the two agents. At the end of the trial, which coincided with the emergence of the third generatio..., The data were collected from a semi-field study in Switzerland during the summer growing seasons 2021. Four treatments with seven replicates were set up in a randomized block design in two greenhouses using walk-in (1.50m x 1.75m x 2.50m W x L x H), thrips-proof cages: 1) T. absoluta only as control; 2) T. absoluta and parasitoids (N. tutae); 3) T. absoluta and baculovirus (PhopGV); 4) T. absoluta, parasitoids, and baculovirus. Adult T. absoluta were released in each cage, which contained tomato plants. In the parasitoid and the combined treatment, parasitoids were released. In the virus and the combined treatment, the virus was sprayed on the plant in a water solution. Every week for three generations, T. absoluta larvae and adults were monitored., , # Data from: A parasitoid wasp allied with an entomopathogenic virus to control *Tuta absoluta*

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The data were collected from a semi-field experiment aiming to assess the efficacy of the parasitoid wasp *Necremnus tutae* and the *Betabaculovirus phoperculellae* (PhopGV) for the control of the South American tomato leafminer.

Four treatments with seven replicates were set up in a randomized block design:

1. *T. absoluta* only as control (CO);
2. *T. absoluta* and parasitoids (PA);
3. *T. absoluta* and baculovirus (VI);
4. *T. absoluta*, parasitoids, and baculovirus (VP).

Potted tomato plants were placed in walk-in cages and fifty adult *T. absoluta* were released in each cage to build an initial population. In treatments VI and VP, the plants were sprayed with a formulation of the baculovirus. In treatments CO and PA, the plants were sprayed with water. In treatments PA and VP, parasitoids were released.

Every week for three generations, *T. absoluta* larvae and leaf damage ...