Host plant preference of sucking pest complex to different tomato genotypes

Abstract

Background: Different strategies have to be involved for keeping the pests in check and stabilizing the productivity of cropping system. Screening of varieties is one of the key strategies for selecting the least susceptible variety against pest attack to get higher crop yields despite pest incidence. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted to observe the population dynamics of sucking pests on various tomato genotypes at Quetta, Balochistan during 2015. Six tomato genotypes i.e., Rutgar, Eden Oblong, Rio Granade, Nagina, Pakit and Roma were used in the study. Among sucking pests, population of aphids, thrips, whiteflies, jassids and mites were recorded since the early growth of various tomato genotypes. Results: Nagina genotype was more susceptible to attack of all sucking pests recorded, whereas Rutgar and Eden Oblong genotypes were the least susceptible against various sucking pests.Conclusion: It is therefore suggested that Rutgar and Eden Oblong genotypes should be grown to obtain higher fruit yield of tomato with lower densities of sucking complex pests.