Abstract  [Aim]  To investigate the effects of systemic pesticides on the development and survival of Tuta absoluta and thereby provide a theoretical basis for the application of these pesticides in the field. [Methods]  The toxicity of 7 insecticides on T. absoluta were tested in the laboratory using the indoor virulence determination method and the effects of systemic pesticides on the biological parameters of T. absoluta were analyzed using root drenching. [Results]  Cyantraniliprole, chlorantraniliprole, and tetrachlorantraniliprole were the most toxic of the pesticides tested, with LC₅₀ values of 0.226, 2.01, and 26.27 mg a.i./L, respectively. Root drenching with cyantraniliprole, chlorantraniliprole and tetrachlorantraniliprole at the tomato seedling stage significantly affected larval duration, pupal duration and adult survival, and eggs of T. absoluta died which could not hatch into larva normally, reducing this to zero at a concentration of 2-fold LC₉₀. Moreover, root drenching with these three insecticides significantly reduced the hatching rate, pupation rate and eclosion rate; a concentration of 2-fold LC₉₀ killed all insects before they could cause damage. [Conclusion]  Drenching the roots of tomato seedlings with cyantraniliprole, chlorantraniliprole and tetrachlorantraniliprole completely prevents the occurrence of T. absoluta at the tomato seedling stage. This degree of suppression greatly reduces the outbreak risk, and is a new method for the scientific control of this pest.