Insect pests scenario and management of fruit borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner) on tomato crop (Lycopersicon esculentum) in Malwa Region, Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

A field experiment entitled “Studies on Insect Pests Scenario and Management of Fruit Borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner) on Tomato Crop (Lycopersicon esculentum) in Malwa Region, Madhya Pradesh” was conducted at Agritech Viransh, Malwa Region, Indore (M.P.) during Rabi 2022-23 and Kharif 2023-24. The objective was to study the seasonal incidence and correlation of major insect pests of tomato with key abiotic factors. Four major insect pests were recorded: whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), jassid (Amrasca biguttula biguttula), serpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza trifolii), and tomato fruit borer (Helicoverpa armigera). The results indicated that pest population dynamics were significantly influenced by temperature and relative humidity. The whitefly infestation began in the 45th SMW and peaked during the 2nd SMW with 7.01 whiteflies per three leaves. Similar trends were observed for other pests. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between pest population and temperature, while relative humidity showed a positive association.