**2. Pest-resistant wild tomato species**

In addition to the cerasiform variety, the cultivated tomato *Solanum lycopersicum* L. comprises several wild species, with which it has greater or less interspecific cross-compatibility (**Table 1**) [11, 15]. These species are native to regions located along the western South America coast, encompassing mainly the Andes in Ecuador, Peru and northern Chile, as well as the Galapagos Islands. Thus, these are species that have developed in a variety of habitats, from


Adapted from Peralta et al. [11].

of new strains or hybrids, which, allied to productive potential, present pathogen, insect and pest-resistant characteristics and adaptations to adverse climatic cultivation conditions. In addition, measures that improve production techniques, as well as the transportation and

Although they display great productive potential, tomato crops are one of the most susceptible to pest attack throughout the crop cycle. Even in protected crops, pest occurrence can cause heavy losses. In general, the main pests that attack this crop in the productive regions worldwide are the biotype B whitefly *Bemisia tabaci* (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), the aphids *Myzus persicae* and *Macrosiphum euphorbiae* (Thomas) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), the thrips *Frankliniella schultzei* (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), the tomato leafminer *Tuta absoluta* (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), the leafminer fly *Liriomyza trifolii* (Burgess) (Diptera: Agromyzidae), the corn earworm *Helicoverpa zea* (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidade), the tomato fruit bearer moth *Neoleucinodes elegantalis* (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), the caterpillar *H. armigera* and the arachnids *Tetranychus urticae* (Koch) and *evansi*

Chemical control by insecticide and acaricide spraying is still the main approach used to control tomato crop pests. However, the use of these products as the sole or main management method can cause severe damage to the environment, such as biological imbalance, deleteri-

In order to minimize chemical control problems and maintain pest populations below the level of economic damage, alternative control tactics have been sought for joint use in integrated pest management. Among these, insect and arachnid plant resistance developed by breeding programs is considered ideal, due to relatively low costs, allowing pests to be maintained below the level of economic damage and in balance with their natural enemies. In addition, this technique does not pollute the environment and, above all, does not endanger

Although cultivated tomato species show great morphological diversity, they present a narrow genetic base due to their domestication having occurred outside South America, which is their center of origin. Therefore, the genetic diversity present in wild tomato species has been explored for the crop breeding. Although these species do not present commercial value due to unfavorable characteristics, such as small and usually pubescent fruits, they display pest-

In addition to the cerasiform variety, the cultivated tomato *Solanum lycopersicum* L. comprises several wild species, with which it has greater or less interspecific cross-compatibility (**Table 1**) [11, 15]. These species are native to regions located along the western South America coast, encompassing mainly the Andes in Ecuador, Peru and northern Chile, as well as the Galapagos Islands. Thus, these are species that have developed in a variety of habitats, from

ous effects on rural and consumer health, as well as increased production costs [5–7].

commercialization logistics of the final product, are also relevant [1].

(Baker; Pritchard) (Acari: Tetranychidae) [2–4].

28 Recent Advances in Tomato Breeding and Production

human health [8–10].

resistant characteristics [11–14].

**2. Pest-resistant wild tomato species**

**Table 1.** Recognized *Solanum* tomato species and their geographical distribution.

sea level in the Pacific Coast to 3300 m of altitude in the Andean mountains of Ecuador, in climates that range from arid to rainy [16].

Genetic diversity between species is expressed through different morphological, physiological and sexual characteristics [17–20]. It is very probable that Andean geography, with its diverse ecological habitats and different climates, contributed significantly to tomato diversity [16].

Wild tomato species are valued for use in breeding programs because they present resistance genes to pests, phytopathogens and abiotic stresses, as well as higher nutritional quality [12–14, 21–27]. During evolution, wild plants underwent selection pressure in order to survive and guarantee their reproduction in their center of origin conditions, developing resistance mechanisms against the most adverse conditions present in their natural environment [20].

The following wild species display resistance to pest insects and arachnids: *S. pennellii*, *S. habrochaites* var. *hirsutum* e var. *glabratum*, *S. galapagense*, *S. peruvianum*, *S. pimpinellifolium*, *S. cheesmaniae* and *S. chmielewskii* [12–14, 28–33]. Research has demonstrated the efficiency of these species in the transmission of genes that express certain desirable characteristics, such as the production of glandular trichomes that, in most cases, exude chemical compounds, called allelochemicals [14, 34].
