Solanum lycopersicum

Tomato

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in tomato crops

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is of importance in tomato cultivation. Tomatoes are exceptionally susceptible to a range of formidable pests, including aphids, leafminers, mealybugs, caterpillars, plant bugs, spider mites and other pest mites, thrips, and whiteflies, which can swiftly devastate entire fields if left unchecked. Concurrently, bacterial and fungal diseases pose a continuous threat to tomato plants, potentially decimating yields.

IPM emerges as a critical strategy. This approach combines various eco-friendly techniques to manage pests and diseases effectively while minimizing the use of synthetic chemical pesticides. By employing practices such as biological control, crop rotation, and careful monitoring, IPM not only preserves the health of tomato crops but also contributes to sustainable and environmentally responsible agriculture.

Bumblebee pollination not only plays a critical role in enhancing fruit set and yield in tomato crops but also contributes to integrated pest management (IPM) practices. The use of bumblebees contributes to sustainable pest control and promotes the overall health of tomato crops, as it stimulates growers to minimize the use of synthetic pesticides.

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Pests in tomato

Aphids

Aphids pose a significant threat to tomato crops, with various species causing notable damage. The most common species in tomato are the Glasshouse potato aphid (Aulacorthum solani) and the Potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae). To a lesser extent also, the Green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) and the Cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii) can be found in tomato. The Glasshouse potato aphid (Aulacorthum solani) has a particular affinity for tomato plants and can stunt their growth by extracting sap from the leaves and stems. Additionally, the Potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) can cause distorted growth and leaf curling. Aphids can transmit various viruses, such as Potato Virus Y (PVY), which can devastate tomato crops.

Leaf miners

Leaf miners are a challenge to tomato crops, and several species stand out as significant pests. Tomato leaf miner (Liriomyza bryoniae), Pea leaf miner (Liriomyza huidobrensis), and American serpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza trifolii) are the most notorious leaf miner species affecting tomatoes. These tiny insects lay their eggs in tomato leaves, and the larvae that hatch proceed to tunnel through the leaf tissue, creating distinctive mines that can severely damage the foliage. As a result, the plant's ability to photosynthesize and produce energy is compromised, leading to reduced yields and overall weakened tomato plants.

Mealybugs

In some cases, mealybugs, and in particular the Obscure mealybug (Pseudococcus viburni), can be a problem in tomato. These small, soft-bodied insects can be found mostly on the stems where they feed on the sap of tomato plants, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Their waxy, cotton-like appearance makes them easily recognizable on the plant surfaces. Mealybug infestations can weaken tomato plants, reducing their ability to produce healthy fruits and impacting overall yields.

Caterpillars

Caterpillars pose a significant threat to tomato crops, with several notorious species causing substantial damage. The tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta) is an increasing problem worldwide, it is devouring tomato foliage and inflicting significant harm to the entire plant. The Tomato looper (Chrysodeixis chalcites) feeds voraciously on tomato leaves, leading to defoliation and reduced plant vigor. The Tomato moth (Lacanobia oleracea) can cause both leaf and fruit damage, further exacerbating the yield loss. The Cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) and the Beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) also target tomatoes and can cause extensive fruit damage, leading to economic losses for growers. Tomato pinworm (Keiferia lycopersicella) is another formidable pest, tunneling into tomato fruits, making them susceptible to secondary infections.

Spider mites

Two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) pose a significant threat to tomato crops. This notorious mite feeds on tomato plants by piercing the plant cells and extracting sap, leading to stippling, yellowing, and ultimately, reduced photosynthesis. These mites are particularly problematic in hot and dry conditions, and their rapid reproduction can result in widespread infestations that weaken tomato plants and hinder fruit production.

Thrips

Thrips are a frequent pest on tomato crops, especially Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis). These tiny insects feed on the tender parts of tomato plants, including leaves, stems, and fruits, causing stippling, discoloration, and distortion of the plant tissues. Thrips have piercing-sucking mouthparts that enable them to extract plant fluids, leading to reduced plant vigor and diminished fruit quality. On the fruit thrips feeding causes 'ghost rings’. Moreover, thrips can also transmit certain plant viruses, exacerbating the damage and posing further threats to tomato crops.

Whitefly

Whiteflies can be highly problematic in tomato crops, with two notable species of concern being Tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) and Greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum). These small, winged insects feed on tomato plants by piercing the phloem and extracting sap, leading to yellowing, wilting, and reduced plant vigor. Whitefly infestations can cause significant damage, hinder fruit development, and ultimately impact tomato yields. Furthermore, whiteflies are known to secrete honeydew, promoting the growth of sooty mold that further interferes with photosynthesis.

Plant bugs

In certain cases, plant bugs can be a concern in tomato crops, in particular the species Nezara viridula, Nesidiocoris tenuis, and Engytatus modestus. The Southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula) can be a major pest, piercing tomato fruits and sucking out their juices, leading to fruit deformation and reduced quality. The tomato bugs Nesidiocoris tenuis and Engytatus modestus are beneficial predators that feed on various pests, including whiteflies, thrips and small caterpillars, making it a valuable ally in integrated pest management strategies. However, they can become a problem if their density becomes too high, as they may then feed on tomato fruits, causing damage.

Other pest mites

Tomato russet mite (Aculops lycopersici) can be a severe problem in tomato. These tiny mites feed on tomato leaves and stems. Affected areas turn a rusty brown color, leaves becoming slightly curved with a silvery shine on the underside. Considerable damage can occur at high density when eventually fruits will also be affected and leaves dry out quickly. Damage is first seen on the lower parts of the plants and moves upwards when mites ascend.

Biological pest control in tomato

Aphid control

Biological pest control of aphids in tomato crops can be effectively achieved by employing a diverse range of beneficial organisms. Several biocontrol agents have shown efficacy in controlling aphid populations. These agents include the gall midge Aphidoletes aphidymyza (Aphidend), and the parasitic wasps Aphelinus abdominalis (Aphilin), Aphidius colemani (Aphipar), and Aphidius ervi (Ervipar). Furthermore, Isaria fumosoroseus (Isarid), an entomopathogenic fungus, can be deployed as a biological control agent to naturally regulate aphid populations. The integration of these biocontrol measures promotes a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to managing aphids in tomato crops.

Leaf miner control

The parasitic wasp Diglyphus isaea (Miglyphus) is an effective natural enemy of leaf miner larvae. Additionally, the beneficial nematode Steinernema feltiae (Entonem), can contribute to the reduction of leaf miner larvae, when applied on the leaves of the tomato plant.

Mealybug control

The ladybird beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Cryptobug, Cryptobug-L) and the larvae are voracious feeders on mealybugs and can be applied for the management of different species of mealybugs.

Caterpillar control

Several beneficial nematodes have also shown promising results in controlling caterpillar populations. Steinernema feltiae (Entonem) and Steinernema carpocapsae (Capsanem) are both beneficial nematode species that infect and kill caterpillar larvae. These nematodes work by entering the caterpillar's body, releasing bacteria, and causing a fatal infection. By utilizing these beneficial nematodes, tomato growers can significantly reduce caterpillar infestations without resorting to harmful chemical pesticides.

Spider mite and mite control

Biological pest control of spider mites and other mites in tomato crops offers an effective and environmentally friendly method to manage these pests. Phytoseiulus persimilis (Spidex, Spidex Boost, Spidex Vital, Spidex Vital Plus), a well-known predatory mite, is highly specialized in targeting spider mites, thus offering targeted and efficient pest control. Feltiella acarisuga (Spidend), a predatory gall midge, is also effective in reducing mite populations.

Thrips control

Entomopathogenic fungus Isaria fumosoroseus (Isarid) can be applied. This fungus is applied to the foliage, where it penetrates the thrips' body and causes their death.

Whitefly control

Various beneficial organisms are employed as biocontrol agents to naturally control whitefly populations. Eretmocerus eremicus (Ercal, Enermix), and Encarsia formosa (En-Strip, Enermix) are key solutions that specifically target whiteflies at different life stages. Encarsia formosa and Eretmocerus eremicus are parasitic wasps that lay their eggs inside whitefly nymphs, effectively halting their development. Isaria fumosoroseus (Isarid), a beneficial fungus, can be applied as a biopesticide to infect and kill whiteflies. Additionally, Rollertrap is effective for mass trapping of adult whiteflies. By integrating these solutions into the pest management strategy, tomato growers can minimize whitefly damage and decrease the reliance on chemical pesticides.

Pest monitoring and scouting in tomato crops

Scouting and monitoring are fundamental practices in integrated pest management (IPM) for tomato growers. These proactive approaches involve regular and systematic inspection of crops to identify the presence and severity of pests and diseases. Growers use various techniques, including visual inspections, traps, and modern technologies like remote sensing and digital image analysis, to track potential threats.

Scouting typically begins before planting and continues throughout the growing season, with a focus on early detection. Early identification of pests and diseases allows for timely intervention, reducing the risk of widespread infestations or outbreaks. Monitoring involves recording data on pest and disease populations, their distribution, and environmental conditions. By identifying issues promptly, growers can minimize the impact on crop yield and quality while reducing the environmental footprint associated with chemical treatments.

Sticky traps (Horiver) play a crucial role in monitoring and scouting for plant pests in agriculture and horticulture. Rollertraps are used in case large numbers of whiteflies and thrips are present. These tools are designed to attract, capture, and help identify specific pests, allowing growers to assess pest populations and make informed management decisions.

Crop scouting with Natutec Scout

Using a crop scouting tool can lead to more effective, sustainable, and profitable crop production by providing precision pest monitoring and real-time pest detection alerts. Natutec Scout is a crop scouting tool for effective and efficient pest monitoring.

With Natutec Scout you can use your preferred scout method. Record scout observations by mobile phone manually or use the scanner for Horiver sticky cards for automatic detection of pests. The dashboard provides you with a complete overview of your scouting data, which can be extended by uploading historical scouting observations. The real-time pest detection alerts let you stay ahead of potential crop damage.

Tomato diseases

Tomato crops can be susceptible to various diseases, including bacterial diseases, caused by pathogens such as Clavibacter michiganensis. These pathogens can cause significant damage to the plants, leading to reduced yields and quality. Additionally, fungal diseases, such as Anthracnose, Botrytis, Fusarium, Phytophthora, Powdery mildew, and Pythium, pose serious threats to tomato cultivation. These fungal infections can spread rapidly under favorable conditions and impact the overall health of the crop. Furthermore, viruses can also infect tomato plants, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and deformation of leaves and fruits.

Biological control of tomato diseases

Disease management in tomato crops requires preventive measures to mitigate the impact of these diseases and ensure a successful tomato harvest. Bio-fungicides such as Trianum-P and Trianum-G protect tomato plants against several soil-borne root diseases and the botanical fungicide Nopath can be used to cure fungal diseases in various parts of the plants. The biological elicitor V10 can be used to protect plants against virulent strains of Pepino mosaic virus.

Pollination of tomato crops 

Pollination plays a crucial role in the successful cultivation of tomato crops, enhancing fruit development and overall yield. In protected tomato crops, sufficient pollinators are often lacking and, therefore, need to be compensated with the release of managed pollinators. Due to their structure, tomato flowers are not easily pollinated by honeybees, but bumblebees are the perfect fit for effective pollination of the crop. Adequate pollination ensures that the ovaries in the flowers are fertilized with pollen, leading to the formation of healthy fruits. To encourage pollination in tomato crops, growers need to create pollinator-friendly environments, encouraging them to shift from the use of pesticides harmful to bees to pollinator-friendly biological control solutions. Proper pollination not only improves the quantity but also the quality of tomatoes, contributing to sustainable agriculture practices and ensuring a bountiful harvest.

Maximize your pollination in tomato

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