Frenemies in action: exploring the interactions of Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris with other natural enemies of Tuta absoluta

Abstract: Tuta absoluta is a major pest threatening tomato crops worldwide. The present study explores the interactions between a naturally occurring larval parasitoid native to South
America, Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris, and other natural enemies in the Mediterranean
basin, such as the larval parasitoid Necremnus tutae and the mirid predator Macrolophus
pygmaeus. Our findings indicate that D. gelechiidivoris parasitism decreases in the presence of N. tutae, and M. pygmaeus preys on parasitized larvae, potentially reducing parasitoid
effectiveness.