Alfonso Torres-Ruiz - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Alfonso Torres-Ruiz

Tamarixia triozae es un ectoparasitoide sinovigénico que se alimenta sobre su huésped, el psílido... more Tamarixia triozae es un ectoparasitoide sinovigénico que se alimenta sobre su huésped, el psílido de la papa (Bactericera cockerelli), esto le confiere ventaja como agente de control biológico, ya que elimina ninfas del psílido por oviposición y depredación. Para determinar el potencial de T. triozae en la regulación de poblaciones de B. cockerelli, en el presente estudio se determinó la fecundidad media y capacidad depredadora bajo condiciones de laboratorio (25±1 °C, 70±10% HR y 12:12 h L:O). Las hembras de T. triozae vivieron 30.9 días (10-59 días). Cada hembra consumió en promedio 181 ninfas (31-529 ninfas) y tuvo una fecundidad media de 130 huevos (28-316 huevos), lo cual implica que para producir cada huevo, una hembra requiere consumir en promedio 1.39 ninfas de B. cockerelli.

Journal of Insect Science

Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a key pest of cultivated peppers (Capsicum... more Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a key pest of cultivated peppers (Capsicum species) in tropical and subtropical America. Here we evaluated the effect of five pepper varieties on the susceptibility of A. eugenii to the parasitoids Bracon sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Eupelmus cushmani (Crawford) (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae), and Jaliscoa hunteri Crawford (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). Potential parasitism was estimated by comparative analysis of parasitoid ovipositor size and the depth to which host larvae develop inside the fruit. Highest potential parasitism rates were achieved by Bracon sp. and E. cushmani on árbol and habanero peppers (84–99%) while the lowest rates were achieved by J. hunteri on serrano, bell, and jalapeño (7–18%). To validate potential parasitism rates, the actual parasitism rate by Bracon sp. and J. hunteri on three varieties of peppers was assessed. Actual parasitism rates of A. eugenii larvae in árbol were similar for Bracon sp. and J. hun...

BioControl, 2016

The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli Sulcer (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), and the sweetpotato whi... more The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli Sulcer (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), and the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), are major pests in tomato in the USA, Mexico, and Central America. Earlier research revealed that the mirid bug Dicyphus hesperus Athias-Henriot (Heteroptera: Miridae) has favorable rates of development and reproduction when reared on whitefly and psyllid and is able to provide good control of both pests on tomato in cage experiments. Consequently it could have potential as a biological control agent of these pests. Nevertheless, it has yet to be demonstrated that the addition of D. hesperus to existing biological control programmes improves management of these pests in commercial tomato greenhouses. In the present study, experiments were designed to evaluate D. hesperus as a predator of B. tabaci and B. cockerelli in tomato in large cages simulating commercial greenhouse conditions in two different cropping seasons (fall-winter and summer) in two subsequent experiments. In each season, a randomized complete block design was used with three replicates and two treatments: (1) No D. hesperus, receiving B. tabaci and B. cockerelli, and (2) D. hesperus, receiving B. tabaci and B. cockerelli as No D. hesperus plus D. hesperus. The predator established and reproduced well in the crop and also provided significant reduction of the whitefly and psyllid populations in both cropping seasons. In addition, no evidence of plant damage on either leaves or flower was observed, although a little fruit damage of presumably non-economic significance was recorded. Our results demonstrate that implementation of augmentative releases of D. hesperus would improve biologically-based management strategies in tomato and presumably help to increase adoption of such programmes in tomato in North America.

Journal of economic entomology, Jan 21, 2018

Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and Bactericera cockerelli Sulcer (Hemiptera: P... more Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and Bactericera cockerelli Sulcer (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) are important pests in tomato, and the mirid Dicyphus hesperus Knight (Heteroptera: Miridae) has been shown as an effective predator of both pests. Although the predator was able to suppress populations of both pests, the remaining levels could still exceed tolerable levels. Thus, we here hypothesized whether the combination of D. hesperus with the specialist parasitoids Eretmocerus eremicus Rose y Zolnerowich (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) (whitefly) and Tamarixia triozae (Burks) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) (psyllid) would result in better pest control on a greenhouse scale. For that, we conducted a trial in which we compared the results against B. tabaci and B. cockerelli in greenhouses treated with D. hesperus alone or the predator in combination with the specialist parasitoids. The results showed that the predator was able to establish and suppress B. tabaci and B. cockerelli in ...

Revista Mexicana De Ciencias Agricolas, Aug 1, 2014

Southwestern Entomologist

Información sobre las especies de abejas que son usadas como polinizadores manejados en agricultu... more Información sobre las especies de abejas que son usadas como polinizadores manejados en agricultura o que tienen potencial de ser usadas con este fin.

Pattern Analysis and Applications, 2015

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEEARCH, 2012

ABSTRACT Whole Oregano (Lippia graveolens) is a wild shrub species that is harvested commercially... more ABSTRACT Whole Oregano (Lippia graveolens) is a wild shrub species that is harvested commercially as an important complement to the income of farmers in the semiarid areas of Mexico. However, the impact of this activity on populations of the species is unknown, particularly in the semi-desert of Queretaro State in Mexico. We quantified the consequences of different harvest rates on the growth and reproduction of five wild populations of L. graveolens, with the goal of improving current practices. We found that, as the harvesting rates of L. graveolens increase, there are changes in the density, size structure, proportion of reproductive individuals and production of inflorescences. For instance, in sites with the lowest harvesting intensity, the density was 2980 individuals/ha, the mean plant height was 100 ± 3.25 cm (mean ± SE) and mean plant cover was 4312 ± 247 cm 2 ; whereas in sites with the highest plant harvesting intensity the density was 1920 individuals/ha, mean plan height was 30 ± 1.93 cm and mean plant cover was 843 ± 73 cm 2 . Such changes place certain managed wild oregano populations in a vulnerable situation, illustrating the need of close monitoring of species harvested from the wild as cash crops.

Southwestern Entomologist, 2012

Journal of Economic Entomology, 2012

American Journal of Botany, 2004

The pollination biology of the cactus Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum was studied in a tropical loc... more The pollination biology of the cactus Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum was studied in a tropical location in western Mexico (ca. 18Њ N latitude) to compare with data from a northern population (ca. 28Њ N latitude). Throughout this range, the nectar-feeding bat Leptonycteris curasoae is resident within the tropics but migratory in its northern range. The hypothesis was tested that if a predictable bat presence has been an important force in the evolution of pollination systems in columnar cacti, P. pecten-aboriginum will have a specialized pollination system within the tropics and a generalized pollination system in northern populations. In both areas, pollination experiments showed that P. pecten-aboriginum has a self-incompatible, hermaphroditic breeding system. In the tropical area, flowers open at night and close early in the morning. Nectar is secreted only during the night, and flowers are exclusively pollinated by three species of nectar-feeding bats, indicating a specialized pollination system. In contrast, anthesis and nectar secretion in northern populations occur during the night and day, allowing visitation and effective pollination by both nocturnal and diurnal pollinators. This study provides evidence of divergence mediated by pollinator predictability (resident vs. migrant), through shifts from short to long anthesis and nectar production periods from southern to northern populations.

Southwestern Entomologist, 2013

Pattern Analysis and Applications, 2015

The wingbeat of an insect relates directly to energy consumption, is a strong indicator of its ra... more The wingbeat of an insect relates directly to energy consumption, is a strong indicator of its rate of metabolism and physical structure, and inversely relates to the length of its wing and to the mass of its body. It is also a principal component in understanding the aerodynamic properties of its flight. In this paper, we introduce a method based on the use of high-speed cameras and computer vision techniques to analyze a bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) wingbeat. We start capturing images with a virtual stereo system when a bumblebee crosses two intersecting laser beams. Then, we detect moving objects using background subtraction. Next, via Fourier analysis of the observed optical flow contraction/expansion, and marginalization of prior knowledge, we estimate the wingbeat frequency. Finally, the information from the two virtual cameras is fused using a robust state estimation. Our system is well prepared to handle occlusions; it works with untethered insects; and it does not require the synchronization of a multi-camera system.

Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Agrícolas, Feb 16, 2018

Tamarixia triozae es un ectoparasitoide sinovigénico que se alimenta sobre su huésped, el psílido... more Tamarixia triozae es un ectoparasitoide sinovigénico que se alimenta sobre su huésped, el psílido de la papa (Bactericera cockerelli), esto le confiere ventaja como agente de control biológico, ya que elimina ninfas del psílido por oviposición y depredación. Para determinar el potencial de T. triozae en la regulación de poblaciones de B. cockerelli, en el presente estudio se determinó la fecundidad media y capacidad depredadora bajo condiciones de laboratorio (25±1 °C, 70±10% HR y 12:12 h L:O). Las hembras de T. triozae vivieron 30.9 días (10-59 días). Cada hembra consumió en promedio 181 ninfas (31-529 ninfas) y tuvo una fecundidad media de 130 huevos (28-316 huevos), lo cual implica que para producir cada huevo, una hembra requiere consumir en promedio 1.39 ninfas de B. cockerelli.

Biological Control, 2017

Abstract Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) is an important pest of solanaceous crops and a vector of ... more Abstract Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) is an important pest of solanaceous crops and a vector of the pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum . Biological control of this pest has been attempted using either the parasitoid, Tamarixia triozae (Burks), or the predatory bug, Dicyphus hesperus (Knight), but never in combination. Through a series of laboratory experiments we investigated their combined use. In choice and no-choice experiments we evaluated the ability of D. hesperus to i) prey on different developmental instars of B. cockerelli and ii) prey on B. cockerelli nymphs previously parasitized by T. triozae . In choice and no-choice experiments D. hesperus preyed on more second and third instar B. cockerelli nymphs than fourth instar nymphs; in the no-choice experiment egg predation was similar to predation of fourth instar nymphs but almost no eggs were eaten when other instars were available in the choice experiment. In choice and no-choice experiments D. hesperus ate more B. cockerelli nymphs that contained T. triozae eggs, than nymphs containing T. triozae larvae; almost no nymphs containing T. triozae pupae were eaten. When both natural enemies were released simultaneously in B. cockerelli populations both parasitism and predation levels were reduced relative to when each species was released alone. However, the overall mortality of B. cockerelli obtained when both species were released together was additive. The implications of our results for the combined use of these two natural enemies for biological control of B. cockerelli in protected agriculture is discussed.

The use of managed pollinators ?both, marketed and mass produced- is a common practice in today&#... more The use of managed pollinators ?both, marketed and mass produced- is a common practice in today's agriculture. Mexico has a high diversity of cultivated plants, 85% of these crops depend on pollinators for efficient production. The selection and effectiveness of one Mexican bumblebee as a managed pollinator in tomato (Solanum lycospersicum Mill), is evaluated on this work. A review of commercially available bee species in Mexico as managed pollinators was done, analyzing in particular: 1) commercial availability, 2) where crops are used, 3) prospects for sustainable use and conservation. Also, the foraging effort and efficiency of pollination of two bumble bees species were experimentally evaluated in a commercial greenhouse tomato. The compared species were: Bombus impatiens Cresson, native from northeastern North America, commercially available for pollination in Mexico and Bombus ephippiatus Say, native from Mexico to Central America. Despite the importance of managed pollinators, there are only two Apoideae pollinator?s species commercially available in Mexico: the honeybee Apis mellifera L. and the bumblebee B. impatiens. Both species presented similar pollination efficiency. Fruit quality variables such as fresh weight, number of seeds, and maximum diameter were not significantly different. There was no increased activity of B. ephippiatus during periods of elevated temperatures in the greenhouse. Both species reached nearly 100% pollination rates through the evaluation period. This study establishes that B. ephippiatus is an efficient pollinator for greenhouse tomatoes, comparable to the efficiency of B. impatiens; thus B. ephippiatus is considered with potential for use as managed pollinator. However, methods of mass rearing of this species are not available yet and still needed to ensure nest quality and health, as well as to reduce the potential of unregulated collection of this species.

Tamarixia triozae es un ectoparasitoide sinovigénico que se alimenta sobre su huésped, el psílido... more Tamarixia triozae es un ectoparasitoide sinovigénico que se alimenta sobre su huésped, el psílido de la papa (Bactericera cockerelli), esto le confiere ventaja como agente de control biológico, ya que elimina ninfas del psílido por oviposición y depredación. Para determinar el potencial de T. triozae en la regulación de poblaciones de B. cockerelli, en el presente estudio se determinó la fecundidad media y capacidad depredadora bajo condiciones de laboratorio (25±1 °C, 70±10% HR y 12:12 h L:O). Las hembras de T. triozae vivieron 30.9 días (10-59 días). Cada hembra consumió en promedio 181 ninfas (31-529 ninfas) y tuvo una fecundidad media de 130 huevos (28-316 huevos), lo cual implica que para producir cada huevo, una hembra requiere consumir en promedio 1.39 ninfas de B. cockerelli.

Journal of Insect Science

Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a key pest of cultivated peppers (Capsicum... more Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a key pest of cultivated peppers (Capsicum species) in tropical and subtropical America. Here we evaluated the effect of five pepper varieties on the susceptibility of A. eugenii to the parasitoids Bracon sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Eupelmus cushmani (Crawford) (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae), and Jaliscoa hunteri Crawford (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). Potential parasitism was estimated by comparative analysis of parasitoid ovipositor size and the depth to which host larvae develop inside the fruit. Highest potential parasitism rates were achieved by Bracon sp. and E. cushmani on árbol and habanero peppers (84–99%) while the lowest rates were achieved by J. hunteri on serrano, bell, and jalapeño (7–18%). To validate potential parasitism rates, the actual parasitism rate by Bracon sp. and J. hunteri on three varieties of peppers was assessed. Actual parasitism rates of A. eugenii larvae in árbol were similar for Bracon sp. and J. hun...

BioControl, 2016

The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli Sulcer (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), and the sweetpotato whi... more The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli Sulcer (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), and the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), are major pests in tomato in the USA, Mexico, and Central America. Earlier research revealed that the mirid bug Dicyphus hesperus Athias-Henriot (Heteroptera: Miridae) has favorable rates of development and reproduction when reared on whitefly and psyllid and is able to provide good control of both pests on tomato in cage experiments. Consequently it could have potential as a biological control agent of these pests. Nevertheless, it has yet to be demonstrated that the addition of D. hesperus to existing biological control programmes improves management of these pests in commercial tomato greenhouses. In the present study, experiments were designed to evaluate D. hesperus as a predator of B. tabaci and B. cockerelli in tomato in large cages simulating commercial greenhouse conditions in two different cropping seasons (fall-winter and summer) in two subsequent experiments. In each season, a randomized complete block design was used with three replicates and two treatments: (1) No D. hesperus, receiving B. tabaci and B. cockerelli, and (2) D. hesperus, receiving B. tabaci and B. cockerelli as No D. hesperus plus D. hesperus. The predator established and reproduced well in the crop and also provided significant reduction of the whitefly and psyllid populations in both cropping seasons. In addition, no evidence of plant damage on either leaves or flower was observed, although a little fruit damage of presumably non-economic significance was recorded. Our results demonstrate that implementation of augmentative releases of D. hesperus would improve biologically-based management strategies in tomato and presumably help to increase adoption of such programmes in tomato in North America.

Journal of economic entomology, Jan 21, 2018

Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and Bactericera cockerelli Sulcer (Hemiptera: P... more Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and Bactericera cockerelli Sulcer (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) are important pests in tomato, and the mirid Dicyphus hesperus Knight (Heteroptera: Miridae) has been shown as an effective predator of both pests. Although the predator was able to suppress populations of both pests, the remaining levels could still exceed tolerable levels. Thus, we here hypothesized whether the combination of D. hesperus with the specialist parasitoids Eretmocerus eremicus Rose y Zolnerowich (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) (whitefly) and Tamarixia triozae (Burks) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) (psyllid) would result in better pest control on a greenhouse scale. For that, we conducted a trial in which we compared the results against B. tabaci and B. cockerelli in greenhouses treated with D. hesperus alone or the predator in combination with the specialist parasitoids. The results showed that the predator was able to establish and suppress B. tabaci and B. cockerelli in ...

Revista Mexicana De Ciencias Agricolas, Aug 1, 2014

Southwestern Entomologist

Información sobre las especies de abejas que son usadas como polinizadores manejados en agricultu... more Información sobre las especies de abejas que son usadas como polinizadores manejados en agricultura o que tienen potencial de ser usadas con este fin.

Pattern Analysis and Applications, 2015

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEEARCH, 2012

ABSTRACT Whole Oregano (Lippia graveolens) is a wild shrub species that is harvested commercially... more ABSTRACT Whole Oregano (Lippia graveolens) is a wild shrub species that is harvested commercially as an important complement to the income of farmers in the semiarid areas of Mexico. However, the impact of this activity on populations of the species is unknown, particularly in the semi-desert of Queretaro State in Mexico. We quantified the consequences of different harvest rates on the growth and reproduction of five wild populations of L. graveolens, with the goal of improving current practices. We found that, as the harvesting rates of L. graveolens increase, there are changes in the density, size structure, proportion of reproductive individuals and production of inflorescences. For instance, in sites with the lowest harvesting intensity, the density was 2980 individuals/ha, the mean plant height was 100 ± 3.25 cm (mean ± SE) and mean plant cover was 4312 ± 247 cm 2 ; whereas in sites with the highest plant harvesting intensity the density was 1920 individuals/ha, mean plan height was 30 ± 1.93 cm and mean plant cover was 843 ± 73 cm 2 . Such changes place certain managed wild oregano populations in a vulnerable situation, illustrating the need of close monitoring of species harvested from the wild as cash crops.

Southwestern Entomologist, 2012

Journal of Economic Entomology, 2012

American Journal of Botany, 2004

The pollination biology of the cactus Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum was studied in a tropical loc... more The pollination biology of the cactus Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum was studied in a tropical location in western Mexico (ca. 18Њ N latitude) to compare with data from a northern population (ca. 28Њ N latitude). Throughout this range, the nectar-feeding bat Leptonycteris curasoae is resident within the tropics but migratory in its northern range. The hypothesis was tested that if a predictable bat presence has been an important force in the evolution of pollination systems in columnar cacti, P. pecten-aboriginum will have a specialized pollination system within the tropics and a generalized pollination system in northern populations. In both areas, pollination experiments showed that P. pecten-aboriginum has a self-incompatible, hermaphroditic breeding system. In the tropical area, flowers open at night and close early in the morning. Nectar is secreted only during the night, and flowers are exclusively pollinated by three species of nectar-feeding bats, indicating a specialized pollination system. In contrast, anthesis and nectar secretion in northern populations occur during the night and day, allowing visitation and effective pollination by both nocturnal and diurnal pollinators. This study provides evidence of divergence mediated by pollinator predictability (resident vs. migrant), through shifts from short to long anthesis and nectar production periods from southern to northern populations.

Southwestern Entomologist, 2013

Pattern Analysis and Applications, 2015

The wingbeat of an insect relates directly to energy consumption, is a strong indicator of its ra... more The wingbeat of an insect relates directly to energy consumption, is a strong indicator of its rate of metabolism and physical structure, and inversely relates to the length of its wing and to the mass of its body. It is also a principal component in understanding the aerodynamic properties of its flight. In this paper, we introduce a method based on the use of high-speed cameras and computer vision techniques to analyze a bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) wingbeat. We start capturing images with a virtual stereo system when a bumblebee crosses two intersecting laser beams. Then, we detect moving objects using background subtraction. Next, via Fourier analysis of the observed optical flow contraction/expansion, and marginalization of prior knowledge, we estimate the wingbeat frequency. Finally, the information from the two virtual cameras is fused using a robust state estimation. Our system is well prepared to handle occlusions; it works with untethered insects; and it does not require the synchronization of a multi-camera system.

Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Agrícolas, Feb 16, 2018

Tamarixia triozae es un ectoparasitoide sinovigénico que se alimenta sobre su huésped, el psílido... more Tamarixia triozae es un ectoparasitoide sinovigénico que se alimenta sobre su huésped, el psílido de la papa (Bactericera cockerelli), esto le confiere ventaja como agente de control biológico, ya que elimina ninfas del psílido por oviposición y depredación. Para determinar el potencial de T. triozae en la regulación de poblaciones de B. cockerelli, en el presente estudio se determinó la fecundidad media y capacidad depredadora bajo condiciones de laboratorio (25±1 °C, 70±10% HR y 12:12 h L:O). Las hembras de T. triozae vivieron 30.9 días (10-59 días). Cada hembra consumió en promedio 181 ninfas (31-529 ninfas) y tuvo una fecundidad media de 130 huevos (28-316 huevos), lo cual implica que para producir cada huevo, una hembra requiere consumir en promedio 1.39 ninfas de B. cockerelli.

Biological Control, 2017

Abstract Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) is an important pest of solanaceous crops and a vector of ... more Abstract Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) is an important pest of solanaceous crops and a vector of the pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum . Biological control of this pest has been attempted using either the parasitoid, Tamarixia triozae (Burks), or the predatory bug, Dicyphus hesperus (Knight), but never in combination. Through a series of laboratory experiments we investigated their combined use. In choice and no-choice experiments we evaluated the ability of D. hesperus to i) prey on different developmental instars of B. cockerelli and ii) prey on B. cockerelli nymphs previously parasitized by T. triozae . In choice and no-choice experiments D. hesperus preyed on more second and third instar B. cockerelli nymphs than fourth instar nymphs; in the no-choice experiment egg predation was similar to predation of fourth instar nymphs but almost no eggs were eaten when other instars were available in the choice experiment. In choice and no-choice experiments D. hesperus ate more B. cockerelli nymphs that contained T. triozae eggs, than nymphs containing T. triozae larvae; almost no nymphs containing T. triozae pupae were eaten. When both natural enemies were released simultaneously in B. cockerelli populations both parasitism and predation levels were reduced relative to when each species was released alone. However, the overall mortality of B. cockerelli obtained when both species were released together was additive. The implications of our results for the combined use of these two natural enemies for biological control of B. cockerelli in protected agriculture is discussed.

The use of managed pollinators ?both, marketed and mass produced- is a common practice in today&#... more The use of managed pollinators ?both, marketed and mass produced- is a common practice in today's agriculture. Mexico has a high diversity of cultivated plants, 85% of these crops depend on pollinators for efficient production. The selection and effectiveness of one Mexican bumblebee as a managed pollinator in tomato (Solanum lycospersicum Mill), is evaluated on this work. A review of commercially available bee species in Mexico as managed pollinators was done, analyzing in particular: 1) commercial availability, 2) where crops are used, 3) prospects for sustainable use and conservation. Also, the foraging effort and efficiency of pollination of two bumble bees species were experimentally evaluated in a commercial greenhouse tomato. The compared species were: Bombus impatiens Cresson, native from northeastern North America, commercially available for pollination in Mexico and Bombus ephippiatus Say, native from Mexico to Central America. Despite the importance of managed pollinators, there are only two Apoideae pollinator?s species commercially available in Mexico: the honeybee Apis mellifera L. and the bumblebee B. impatiens. Both species presented similar pollination efficiency. Fruit quality variables such as fresh weight, number of seeds, and maximum diameter were not significantly different. There was no increased activity of B. ephippiatus during periods of elevated temperatures in the greenhouse. Both species reached nearly 100% pollination rates through the evaluation period. This study establishes that B. ephippiatus is an efficient pollinator for greenhouse tomatoes, comparable to the efficiency of B. impatiens; thus B. ephippiatus is considered with potential for use as managed pollinator. However, methods of mass rearing of this species are not available yet and still needed to ensure nest quality and health, as well as to reduce the potential of unregulated collection of this species.