Determination of distribution and population fluctuation of tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) tomato production areas of the Western Mediterranean region

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), originally from South America, is an important pest of tomato. This study was undertaken to determine the infestation areas and population fluctuations of T. absoluta and carried out in Gazipaşa, Alanya, Manavgat, Serik, Antalya ? Center, Kumluca, Demre, Kaş areas of West Mediterranean regions. For this purpose, adult populations of the insect were monitored using delta type pheromone traps starting in March 2010 in greenhouse and open tomato growing fields. Adults trapped in pheromone traps were counted at two-weeks intervals and pheromone capsules were replaced every four weeks. Beginning March 2010, the date sampling started, the adults were detected on almost all traps placed in the fields. A maximum of 327 adults per trap (20.04.2011 Alanya) was captured during the study. Mature individuals was not found on 26.01.2011 in the Kumluca. Results of the adult samplings indicated that T. absoluta is found widespread in West Mediterrenaen region and that adult population size were generally increased in the months of Spring and fall, and decreased in the months of Winter.