ISHS Acta Horticulturae 301: IV International Symposium on Processing Tomatoes
PESTS OF PROCESSING TOMATOES IN ISRAEL AND A SUGGESTED IPM MODEL |
| Author: | M.J. Berlinger |
| Keywords: | Processing tomatoes, Pests, Potato tuber moth, IPM, |
| Abstract:
Processing tomatoes are attacked worldwide by various pests. However, in Israel the key pest is the potato tuber moth (PTM). The occurrence and behavior of this pest were studied to improve control procedures, and discussed. PTM adults are trapped throughout the year with a peak in June-August. Adults immigrating from the surroundings, as well as locally developed PTM on potato after growth in the field, are important sources of population buildup. The spatial distribution is highly aggregative. The PTM population increases continuously during the season, within the tomato leaves. Close to picking time the larvae attack the fruit. The larvae prevail mainly in those leaves and fruit which touch the ground. Phytosanitation is a very important component of any IPM program. The various tomato pests can be controlled by different biological control agents, such as parasitoids, Bacillus thuringiensis and viruses. One obstacle to using parasitoids, is the possible need to apply pesticides against other tomato pests. This obstacle can be overcome by applying pesticides in a superficial spray that will not reach the parasitoids attacking the PTM larvae present in the lowest parts of the plants. | |
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