New Faunal Records of Eulophidae (Hymenoptera) Parasitoids Attacking Tuta absoluta in Protected Tomato

Abstract

Faunal surveys were conducted in protected tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivation systems to document Eulophidae (Hymenoptera) parasitoids associated with the invasive pest Tuta absoluta. Field sampling of infested leaves revealed larval and pupal mining damage, from which parasitoids were reared under laboratory conditions for taxonomic identification. Morphological examination supported by COI gene sequencing confirmed the presence of several eulophid species parasitizing T. absoluta, including members of Diglyphus and Necremnus, representing new faunal records for the surveyed region. Parasitism rates varied across greenhouses, influenced by temperature, humidity, and pest density, with higher activity observed during moderate climatic conditions favorable for parasitoid development. The emergence of multiple parasitoid species from single infestations suggests a complex natural enemy assemblage contributing to partial suppression of T. absoluta populations. Phylogenetic analysis placed the recovered species within established Eulophidae clades, with low to moderate genetic divergence from previously reported populations, indicating possible recent expansion or dispersal into protected cultivation systems. Despite the presence of natural enemies, pest populations remained above economic thresholds in several locations, highlighting limitations in natural control under intensive greenhouse conditions. The study emphasizes the importance of conserving and augmenting native parasitoid complexes as part of integrated pest management strategies for sustainable tomato production. These findings provide baseline faunal records of Eulophidae associated with T. absoluta and underscore their potential role in biological control programs targeting this invasive pest in protected horticultural systems.