Field assessment on management of South American pin worm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in tomato

Field trials were conducted for three years during kharif season of 2014, 2015 and 2016 to evaluate the integrated pest management (IPM) module against pinworm (Tuta Absoluta) in tomato in comparison with farmer’s practice. Seasonal incidence studies revealed that population increased gradually from September and touched its peak during December (28.00 adults/trap). The insect was found to be higher at the fruit maturity stage and infestation found decreased with increase in temperature. IPM module reduced the cost of cultivation by Rs. 9615.66 ha-1 and the net returns were increased by Rs. 53282.00 per hectare. The average benefit cost ratio was improved with 2.39 in treatment compared to farmers practice 1.92. The results based on pooled data showed that reduction in the fruit damage by Tuta absoluta and good yields is due to the integrated management strategy taken up by installing pheromone traps 2 weeks after transplanting by which awareness on timely spraying of Azadirachtin 1500ppm @ 5ml/lt or combination of Azadirachtin with Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 0.3 ml or Flubendiamide 480 SC @0.3ml or Indoxacarb 14.5% SC @ 1.75ml carried in practicing farmers field based on ETL level of adult catches and burning of infested plants and remnants of the crop immediately after the fruits have been harvested also found effective in managing the pest.