The bronzing is due to the removal of the cell contents from the outermost layers of cells. If this pest is not controlled, it can cause serious defoliation and dried, cracked fruit. Biology Eggs are laid on leaves and stems of plants. Also, under these conditions, females live for about 22 days and males for an average of 16 days. The female produces an average of 16 eggs during her lifetime.
Fertilized females produce both males and females, whereas unfertilized females produce only males.
Keep the inside and immediate surroundings of the greenhouse weed-free. Some host plants of TRM are potato, eggplant, tobacco, pepper, horsenettle, petunia, nightshade, field bindweed, wild black currant and wild gooseberry. Early detection, roguing or treatment of affected plants can minimize its spread to the rest of the crop. Studies indicate that TRM is spread via the wind or by being carried on machinery and people. Although there are predators of the TRM, to-date there are none that are commercially feasible.