Effects of Bemisia tabaci and Macrolophus pygmaeus on tomato and eggplant traits

Whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) are major global pests affecting solanaceous crops like tomato and eggplant. Bemisia tabaci causes significant crop losses by impairing plant development. The mirid bug Macrolophus pygmaeus is a key biological control agent, but its zoophytophagous habits can risk plant health if applied in excess. This study evaluated morphological (height, dry weight, leaf area) and physiological (photosynthetic performance, chlorophyll content) parameters in tomato and eggplant under three conditions: healthy, pest-infested, or co-infested with pest and predator. At experimental densities, M. pygmaeus significantly reduced the negative effects of B. tabaci on plant traits, indicating its potential as a safe and effective biocontrol agent when used appropriately. Findings were presented at the XVII Italian National Congress of Entomology, 12–16 June 2023. Funded by the European Union Horizon 2020 programme.