Monitoring South American Tomato Leaf Miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) and Assessment of Management Practices Adopted in Kavre, Nepal

Abstract

The study was carried out from April-August, 2017 to monitor the population of Tuta absoluta and to assess the management practices being adopted in Kavre, Nepal. Study consisted of two major parts: monitoring of insect population and farmer’s survey. The population of T. absoluta ranged from 51 to 972 in each Wota -T trap. The highest population of the insect in traps were recorded in Dhulikhel followed by Panauti and Banepa. Majority of tomato growers (78%) reported T. absoluta as the most problematic among other pests, diseases and disorders. The data from E-Plant clinic at Panchkhal revealed the degree of severity of T. absoluta in tomato crop. Tomato growers have adopted cultural, physical, mechanical, para-pheromone lures, quarantine, botanical and chemical methods for the management of this pest. Majority of them relied on chemical pesticide (94%) followed by cultural practices (86%) and Tomato Leaf Miner (TLM) lure (66%) based on cumulative percentage of respondents. Use of TLM lure was found as the best in terms of its effectiveness, safety, and practicability. Thus, Integrated Pest Management strategies are essential to limit the significant loss and reduce dependency on chemical pesticides in future.

Farmers' perception and adoption of management practices against tomato damage by tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) in Pokhara, Nepal

“…Farmers from Kavre, Nepal responded to the high effectiveness of pheromone lures over other management practices though a majority of them relied on chemical pesticides (Gautam et al, 2018). Similarly, Ghimire & Chhetri (2023) concluded the TLM lure as the best measure to manage TLM while studying four different regions of Nepal.…”

Efficacy of various botanical pesticides against leaf eating caterpillar (Artona chorista Jordan) on large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) field of Sankhuwasabha District, Nepal

“…The active ingredients of the product, GAs from seaweed extracts, will regulate plant growth, and other botanical extracts like clove oil, garlic oil, and neem oil will serve as an insect-pest repellent. Its composition is 30% gibberellin, 0.10% clove oil, 1% garlic oil, 2% neem oil, 1% Karanja oil, 1% garlic extract, and 64.90% as filler, spreader, emulsifier, etc (Gautam et al, 2018). The biological product has been registered for use in Nepal by the Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Centre, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.…”

Menace of Tomato Leaf Miner (Tuta absoluta [Meyrick,1917]): Its Impacts and Control Measures by Nepalese Farmers

“…Due to open borders, lax quarantine, and the import of tomatoes and packing supplies from India, the threat of this pest attacking Nepalese tomato production has always existed. When it was just started in Kathmandu, a 25-30% loss was reported (Gautam et al, 2018). There are four possible entrance points for this pest into an uninfested area, viz., tomato fruits from infected areas, containers, packaging equipment, and vehicles; plants for growing tomatoes, and plants for growing ornamental Solanaceae.…”