Floral Resource Integration: Enhancing Biocontrol of Tuta absoluta Within Sustainable IPM Frameworks

Abstract

The tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta, is a pest threatening global tomato production. This pest's adaptability and resistance to chemical insecticides have necessitated integrated pest management (IPM) strategies prioritizing sustainable alternatives. This review explores the role of biological control agents (BCAs) in managing T. absoluta populations, emphasizing the integration of floral resources to enhance their efficacy. Predatory mirids such as Macrolophus pygmaeus and Nesidiocoris tenuis and parasitoids such as N. artynes and Trichogramma spp. are pivotal in pest suppression; however, their performance depends on nutritional and habitat support. Floral resources provide essential sugars and proteins, improving the longevity, fecundity, and predation efficiency of these BCAs. This review synthesizes case studies highlighting the benefits of selected flowering plants, such as Lobularia maritima and Fagopyrum esculentum, in supporting predator and parasitoid populations while minimizing advantages to T. absoluta. Mechanisms such as nectar quality, floral accessibility, and spatial-temporal resource availability are explored in detail. Additionally, the challenges of selective floral attraction, microbial impacts on nectar composition, and the unintended support of non-target organisms are discussed. This review proposes targeted floral management strategies to optimize BCA performance within IPM systems by integrating ecological and chemical insights. This approach offers a pathway toward reducing chemical pesticide reliance, fostering sustainable agriculture, and mitigating the economic impacts of T. absoluta infestations.

Keywords: T. absoluta; biological control agents; floral resource management; integrated pest management; sustainable agriculture.

Figure 1

The figure illustrates predatory wasps’ dual nutrient acquisition strategies, emphasizing their dependence on host hemolymph and floral nectar. Host hemolymph, extracted from prey insects such as aphids, supplies amino acids that support reproduction and egg production and proteins essential for tissue repair. On the other hand, floral nectar provides amino acids that enhance fertility and egg production, along with sugars that offer energy and promote longevity. These nutrient sources synergistically improve the wasps’ lifespan and pest control efficacy, highlighting their critical role in ecological balance and integrated pest management.

Figure 2

The circular diagram illustrates seasonal variations in insect density (High, Medium, Low, and Very Low) across three distinct settings: agricultural, urban, and rural areas. The inner sections depict seasonal changes affecting insect activity in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Agricultural settings have the highest density of beneficial insects, such as lady beetles and parasitoids, supported by deliberate floral resource management. Urban areas maintain moderate densities, while rural regions show lower densities, reflecting limited floral resource availability. The visualization underscores the importance of floral resource planning in maintaining biocontrol agents’ populations year-round.

Figure 3

The figure illustrates the interaction between parasitoids, their prey (e.g., T. absoluta larvae), and the role of nectar in influencing biological control outcomes. 1. Nectar Pathway (Sugars, Amino Acids): Parasitoids that access nectar resources gain sugars for energy and amino acids for reproduction. 2. Host Pathway (Protein-Rich Diet): Parasitoids also derive proteins by parasitizing T. absoluta larvae, which supports their reproductive success and fitness. 3. Impact of Floral Resources on Hyperparasitoids: This highlights how nectar availability supports hyperparasitoid populations. At the same time, nectar resources are crucial for maintaining the primary parasitoid population.