Environmentally Friendly Approach of Controlling Insect Pests in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Abstract

Experiments were conducted at the Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania, located at latitude 06'50'S', longitude 37'39'E and 526 m above the sea level during the short and long rainy seasons December 2016 and March 2017 and was repeated December 2018 and March 2019. Bio-pesticides were applied at interval of 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th week after transplanting. The field was characterized by sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.16 and annual rainfall ranging from 750 to 1050 mm. During the season the temperature ranged from 26⁰C to 32⁰C. The experiment was carried under Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications and three bio-pesticides as treatments (Castor oil plant, Garlic, Ginger and the Control). The crop was spaced at 90 cm x 60 cm and each plot sized with area of 13.5 m² had three rows and six plants per row. The objectives of the study were to determine the most significant pest species affecting the crop and test for the efficacy of selected bio-pesticides in controlling the observed insect pests on tomato crop. Obtained results suggested that whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) were the most abundant pest followed by Aphids (Aphis gossypii) while Tuta absoluta and Leaf miners (Liriomyza trifolii) were the least abundant. Garlic, castor oils, and ginger significantly (P<0.05) suppressed the pest population. This study suggests that 25% of tomato yield loss was much influenced by insect pests and organic protectants have potential to grossly minimize pest problems to allow the realization of substantial yield and conserve the environment.

Keywords: Bio-pesticides; Insect pests; Tomato; Yield.

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/12-2-02

Publication date: February 28^th 2022