Host relationships of tomato rust mite Aculops lycopersici (massee), (Acarina: Eriophyidae) with different tomato cultivars and biological control possibilities with an important predator phytoseiid species

Tomato rust mite [Aculops lycopersici (Massee) (Acari: Eriophyidae)] is a common pest in open-field and greenhouse tomato growing areas. Glandular and non-glandular trichomes on tomato plants make it difficult for predator mites to move, feed and search for prey. With this study 23 different tomato varieties produced in Türkiye was determined physical and chemical properties, selected the suitable tomato variety for predator mite. The trichome density studies of the thesis, in leaf, vein and stem areas of BT Pembeola, BT 720, BT 986, Doğuş, Gülpembe, Nazar, TGB046333, TGB046337, TGB046511, TGB020313, Şencan, UG19406 and Y 65 the non-glandular (Type III and Type V) and glandular (Type IV and Type VI) trichome densities were found to be lower. In addition, the acylsugar, methyl ketone and sesquiterpene concentrations of these trichomes were determined. As a result of cluster analysis, in 5 different tomato cultivars (Gülpembe, Nazar, TGB020313, UG19406 and Y65) and 1 wild cultivar (Beaufort) feeding of N. californicus with A. lycopersici and biological parameters of N. californicus (development time and viability rates, adult reproduction and lifespan and life table parameters, numerical and functional response) were determined under laboratory conditions. In all varieties, including the wild variety, the predatory mite completed its development and produced offspring. The shortest development time and suitable life parameters of N. californicus were found in Nazar, TGB020313 and UG19406 tomato cultivars. Before the greenhouse studies, N. californicus adults were released in different predetor: prey ratios (1:10, 1:20; 1:40 and 1:80) in the climate chamber. The efficiency of the predator was found to be high at the ratios of 1:10 and 1:20 released. Then, greenhouse experiments were carried out on 3 tomato cultivars (Nazar, TGB020313 and UG19406) at 2 different periods (late spring-summer period and late summer-autumn period) in 2022. Under greenhouse conditions, predatory mites were released to tomato cultivars infected with A. lycopersici twice in both trials, and population changes of pests and predators were monitored for at least 8 weeks. Compared to the control plots, the A. lycopersici population was found to be significantly decreased in the plots where N. californicus was released.