Here are some common pests of tomato, along with their scientific names, families, damaging stage, nature of damage, oviposition and pupation sites, and management options:
1. Tomato Fruitworm (Helicoverpa zea)
Family: Noctuidae
Damaging stage: Larvae
Nature of damage: Feeds on developing fruit, causing shallow, irregular holes and tunnels
Oviposition and pupation site: Eggs are laid on leaves; pupates in soil
Management: Remove infested fruit and control with insecticides like spinosad or Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
2. Tomato Hornworm (Manduca quinquemaculata)
Family: Sphingidae
Damaging stage: Larvae
Nature of damage: Feeds on foliage, causing large, ragged holes
Oviposition and pupation site: Eggs are laid on leaves; pupates in soil
Management: Handpick and destroy larvae; control with insecticides like spinosad or Bt
3. Aphids (various species)
Family: Aphididae
Damaging stage: Adults and nymphs
Nature of damage: Sucks sap from leaves, causing stunted growth and curled, distorted leaves
Oviposition and pupation site: Eggs are laid on plant stems or nearby vegetation
Management: Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or insecticides like pyrethrin; encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings
4. Whiteflies (various species)
Family: Aleyrodidae
Damaging stage: Adults and nymphs
Nature of damage: Sucks sap from leaves, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth
Oviposition and pupation site: Eggs are laid on undersides of leaves; pupates on leaves or nearby vegetation
Management: Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or insecticides like pyrethrin; encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps
5. Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Family: Tetranychidae
Damaging stage: Adults and nymphs
Nature of damage: Sucks sap from leaves, causing yellowing and stippling
Oviposition and pupation site: Eggs are laid on leaves
Management: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators like predatory mites or lacewings
6. Cutworms (various species)
Family: Noctuidae
Damaging stage: Larvae
Nature of damage: Cuts seedlings at base, causing wilting and death
Oviposition and pupation site: Eggs are laid in soil; pupates in soil
Management: Place collars around seedlings; use insecticides like spinosad or Bt
7. Tomato pinworm (Tuta absoluta)
Family: Gelechiidae
Damaging stage: Larvae
Nature of damage: Feeds on leaves and fruit, causing mines and tunnels
Oviposition and pupation site: Eggs are laid on leaves or fruit; pupates in soil
Management: Use insecticides like spinosad or Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps
Overall, integrated pest management (IPM) practices that combine cultural, mechanical, and biological control measures, along with judicious use of pesticides, are most effective for managing tomato pests.
