author(s)
NA Bhatt and Mayank V Patel

abstract
Tomato bug, Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) is known for its predatory habits on the major insect pests. It preys on eggs and neonate larvae of fruit borer, leaf eating caterpillar, stem borer and tomato pin worm. It also feeds on whitefly, thrips, aphids and mites. The increasing population of this zoohytophagous insect could infest to plant reproductive parts in absence of prey. The sesame, tobacco, bottle guard, tomato, potato etc. are potential hosts for this bug. These predatory bugs are presently used with successful augmentation in southern Europe to control T. absoluta and other pests. Tomato bug has significant synergist effect while used with biopesticides and synthetic insecticides in insect pest management.