Biological control of Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae): A comprehensive review of IPM strategies for Andean solanaceous crops

Naranjilla also known as lulo, Solanum quitoense Lam., and tree tomato, Solanum betaceum Cav. (Solanaceae), are two tropical fruit trees sought after in national and international markets for their exquisite flavor. The Andean region of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru is the center of origin of S. quitoense, while S. betaceum is native to Bolivia and Argentina. Both crops are affected by the fruit borer Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), an oligophagous insect whose larvae develop inside the fruit, and feeds on the mesocarp and endosperm. Damage caused by N. elegantalis impacts the economy of producers who are generally small-scale farmers in Latin America, who use insecticides indiscriminately for pest control. Being a quarantine pest for the United States, Chile, and Europe, N. elegantalis is the main phytosanitary barrier that these fruit trees have for international marketing. The greatest reproductive success of this moth and the greatest diversity of its natural enemies may be associated with S. quitoense, which might be the ancestral host for N. elegantalis. The present work reports on the importance of monitoring in the pest management of N. elegantalis using pheromone traps and highlights the high potential that natural enemies of N. elegantalis have in biological control programs. Several strategies for conserving and boosting natural enemy populations in S. quitoense and S. betaceum crops in Colombia and Ecuador are discussed, including the use of low-toxicity chemicals, selective weed control, and monitoring N. elegantalis populations with sex pheromones. This comprehensive review addresses the current gaps in knowledge regarding solanaceous crops and their primary lepidopteran pest in the Andean region.