Distribution and molecular identification of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro

Abstract

Abstract Since 2010, the South American tomato moth - Tuta absoluta (MEYRICK, 1917) (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) - has been recorded in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) and Montenegro. In 2012, pheromone traps were placed among tomato crops growing in greenhouses and open fields in 14 localities in B&H and Montenegro; the pest was caught at all the sites. Adults were caught in both greenhouses and open fields in Trebinje (B&H) on 4th June 2012 and in Ulcinj (Montenegro) in mid-May. Species identification was confirmed by means of morphological characters of adults and male genitalia. In addition, molecular identification of specimens from B&H and Montenegro was performed using mitochondrial (mtDNA) markers.