Article Abstract

Volume 36, No. (1), 2026 (February)
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF THE TOMATO LEAFMINER IN ALGERIA: EFFICACY OF TWO NATIVE PARASITOIDS IN OPEN-FIELD TRIALS
N. Laadel, S. Guettaf, A. Benmerzoug, N. Benzidane, Z. Boulgueraguer, F. Bensebaa, A. Harrar, K. Ghit, A. M. Abu-Elsaoud, W. Elfalleh6and H. Bendif

N. Laadel¹, S. Guettaf², A. Benmerzoug², N. Benzidane², Z. Boulgueraguer³, F. Bensebaa¹, A. Harrar⁴, K. Ghit⁵, A. M. Abu-Elsaoud6, W. Elfalleh6and H. Bendif6*

1Laboratory of Improvement and Development of Plant and Animal Production, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Ferhat Abbas University Sétif-1, Sétif 19000, Algeria. laadal.noureddine@univ-setif.dz; fethi.bensebaa@gmail.com;

2Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Ferhat Abbas University Sétif-1, Sétif 19000, Algeria. sguetaf@yahoo.fr; moumenk118@gmail.com; benzidanenadia19@gmail.com;

3Department of Geology, Laboratory of Water Resources and Sustainable Development (REDD), Badji Mokhtar Annaba University, Annaba, Algeria. boulgueraguer@yahoo.fr;

4Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Laboratory of Biology: Application in Health and Environment, University of M’sila, University Pole, Road Bordj Bou Arreridj, M’sila 28000, Algeria. abdenassar.harrar@univ-msila.dz

5Department of Biology and Plant Ecology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Ferhat Abbas University Sétif-1, Sétif 19000, Algeria. ghit.karima23@gmail.com

6Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, 11623, Saudi Arabia; amsmohamed@imamu.edu.sa; wbelfallah@imamu.edu.sa; hlbendif@imamu.edu.sa

Corresponding Author: hlbendif@imamu.edu.sa
Page Number(s): 27-42
Published Online First: November 12, 2025
Publication Date: January 20, 2026
ABSTRACT

The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta has emerged as a major pest threatening tomato production in Algeria, with intensive pesticide use resulting in resistance development and environmental concerns. This study assessed the efficacy of two native parasitoid species Trichogramma bourarachae (egg parasitoid) and Bracon nigricans (larval parasitoid) for the biological control of T. absoluta under open-field conditions in Sétif, Algeria. Over two growing seasons (2022–2023), parasitoids were released in ten tomato fields (1 ha each) at a rate of 50,000 wasps per ha, while five control fields were managed using conventional pesticide applications. T. bourarachae achieved up to 70% egg parasitism, and B. nigricans parasitized approximately 65% of larvae, resulting in a 60–70% reduction in T. absoluta populations compared to controls (p < 0.001). Peak efficacy was observed mid-season (weeks 6–10), coinciding with the highest pest pressure. Tomato yields in parasitoid-treated plots increased by 30–40% (45,000 vs. 32,000 kg/ha; p < 0.001), with a 20% improvement in marketable fruit quality. Pesticide use was reduced by half (three vs. six applications per season), lowering pest management costs by 50% (75 vs. 150 USD/ha). Economic analysis indicated a 25% increase in net profits in treated plots (1,500 vs. 1,200 USD/ha), attributable to higher yields and reduced pesticide inputs. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of native parasitoids in controlling T. absoluta and highlight their potential integration into sustainable IPM programs in Mediterranean tomato production systems. Further research should focus on optimizing mass-rearing techniques and expanding field trials to other regions.

Keywords: Agroecosystem management, Augmentative releases, Economic feasibility, Indigenous natural enemies, Integrated pest management, Parasitoid efficacy, Pesticide reduction, Solanaceous crops, Sustainable agriculture, Yield enhancement.
Indicators
Metrics

Cite Score: 1.3

JCR Year: 2025

Indexing
Status

Web of Science (SCIE)

SCOPUS (Q3)

Journal Metrics
Current

Journal Impact Factor: 0.5

HEC Category: W

ISSN Details
Verified

Print ISSN: 1018-7081

Electronic ISSN: 2309-8694

Search the Journal

Use the fields below to search for articles by Title, Author, or Keywords.