Εssential oils as a promising tool in the sustainable management of the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta: A review

Tuta absoluta is the most serious insect pest of tomato crops. It control is mainly based on the extended use of insecticides that causes resistance development and increased production cost, and thus, there is an urgent need to develop more environmentally friendly methods for its control. Essential oils (EOs) have several advantages that make them valuable alternatives in insect pest control. Data presented in this review show that research conducted so far has proved the insecticidal and repellent effects of EOs against T. absoluta. Their efficacy depends on the application method with fumigation being more effective and on the stage tested with eggs being less susceptible than larvae or adults. In addition, studies have indicated the selectivity of EOs on the natural enemies of T. absoluta, i.e. the mirid predator Nesidiocoris tenuis and the egg parasitoids, Trichogramma spp. Recently scientific interest focuses on the improvement of EOs’ physicochemical properties and the enhancement of their activity applying various nanotechnological approaches. Based on the positive evidence gained, this review concludes that EOs hold promise as alternative means to control T. absoluta and suggests several aspects on which future research should focus toward their commercialization as effective and eco-friendly insecticides. •Essential oils (EOs) of several plant families are effective against Tuta absoluta.•Eggs and larvae inside their mines suffer less mortality.•Nanotechnology approaches may improve and extend the bioactivity of EOs.•EOs show compatibility with main T. absoluta natural enemies.•Efficacy, selectivity and phytotoxicity of EOs should be further evaluated.