Determination of the effect of intercropping method on the population, natural enemy density and damage rate of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in tomatoes

Objective: It was carried out to determine the effects of intercropping on the population, natural enemy density and fruit and leaf damage rate of Tuta absoluta in tomato in Manisa/Sarıgöl Dindarlı village in the 2024 tomato production season. Material and Methods: The study was carried out according to the randomized complete block design with 7 characters (only tomato control, only basil, only sainfoin, 1 row of sainfoin + 2 rows of tomato + 1 row of sainfoin, 2 rows of sainfoin + 2 rows of tomato + 2 rows of sainfoin, 1 row of basil + 2 rows of tomato + 1 row of basil, 2 rows of basil + 2 rows of tomato + 2 rows of basil) and 3 replications. In the study, tomato rows were 50 cm above the row, 150 cm between rows, block length was 10 m, 4 m wide and 2 m between blocks. To determine the population changes of Tuta absoluta, 1 pheromone trap and 30 leaves and 30 fruits from each plot were checked. Results: In the study, Nergiz domato variety, common sainfoin (Onobrychis sativa) and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) were used in this study. According to the results obtained, T. absoluta adults were first seen on 19.7.2024 in Trap 1 with 82 individuals/trap, while 46 individuals/trap were seen in Trap 2 and continued to decrease until the end of harvest. The annual average infestation rate of T. absoluta on leaves was 17,29% in areas planted only with tomatoes, while no statistically significant difference was found in areas planted together and was between 14,01-15,08%. The highest fruit damage rate was seen in the area planted only with tomatoes with 31,37%, followed by 1 row of sainfoin + 2 rows of tomatoes + 1 row of sainfoin. There was no statistical difference between 2 rows of sainfoin + 2 rows of tomatoes + 2 rows of sainfoin, 1 row of basil + 2 rows of tomatoes + 1 row of basil and 2 rows of basil + 2 rows of tomatoes + 2 rows of basil and the damage rate was between 24,51-25,00%. As a natural enemy, Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus (Coccinellidae) population from the Coleoptera order was recorded. Although there was no statistically significant difference between tomato-basil, tomato-sainfoin intercropping and monoculture tomato applications, it was seen more in intercropping areas. Conclusion: it was concluded that pheromone traps and 1 row of basil + 2 rows of tomatoes + 1 row of basil or 1 row of sainfoin + 2 rows of tomatoes + 1 row of sainfoin together with the planting method would be effective in controlling T. absoluta within the scope of integrated pest control. In addition, it is recommended that more detailed studies be conducted in the region. Keywords: Intercropping, tomato, Tuta absoluta