Tomato, Pests, Parasitoids, and Predators: Tritrophic Interactions Involving the Genus Lycopersicon

Insect-plant interactions involving the cultivated tomato and its relatives in the genus Lycopersicon have been intensively studied for several decades, resulting in one of the best documented and in-depth examples of the mechanistic complexities of insect-plant interactions, which encompass both herbivores and their natural enemies. Trichome-mediated defenses are particularly significant in L. hirsutum f. glabratum and have been extensively implicated in negative tritrophic effects mediated by direct contact of parasitoids and predators with trichomes, as well as indirect effects mediated through their hosts or prey. Both constitutive and inducible defense traits of L. esculentum exert effects on selected parasitoids and predators. The effects of any particular plant defense trait on parasitoids and predators depend on the specific attributes of the plant trait and the details of the physical, biochemical, and behavioral interaction between the natural enemy, its host (prey), and the plant.