Bio-ecology of major insect and mite pests of tomato crops in the tropics

Publication date: 15/05/2017
Extent: 20 pages

Contributions by: R. Srinivasan, AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center, Taiwan

Chapter synopsis: In tropical climates, tomato production is severely constrained by insect and mite pests. The use of broad-spectrum chemical pesticides can make this problem worse, since it can eliminate the natural enemies of these pests. Changes in cropping system and the impacts of a warming climate can also alterthe damage potential of pest infestations. Understanding the bio-ecology of these pests is therefore essential to developing effective strategies to manage them. In this chapter, we review recent research on the bio-ecology of the major insect and mite pests affecting tomato crops, including aphids, thrips, whitefly, various Lepidopteran species and spider mites. In each case, we consider how the pest affects the tomato plant, the natural enemies of the pest and how global warming could impact each pest

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2016.0007.27