Pests and diseases compromise tomato production

Brazil is recognized worldwide for its fertile land and diverse climate, factors that favor the production of food, fibers and bioenergy. Tomato farming, one of the most traditional and productive activities in national agriculture, stands out among the most important crops. According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), in 2024 the tomato harvest was 4,7 million tons, with a growth of 19,2% compared to 2023.

Technological advances make it possible for tomato production to serve a variety of markets, including fresh consumption, industrial processing and export. However, this crop is highly susceptible to pests and diseases, which requires effective control to ensure crop productivity and quality.

The tomato moth caterpillar (Tuta absoluta) is one of the main pests, causing direct damage by feeding on the leaves, stems and fruits of tomato plants. By forming galleries in the plants, this pest favors secondary infections and reduces the commercial quality of the fruits.

The whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) also compromises production by sucking the sap from plants, reducing their vigor and productivity. In addition, it is one of the main vectors of viruses, such as Geminivirus, which causes mosaic and dwarfism, compromising the harvest. Severe infestations can result in total loss of the crop.

Another significant threat is late blight (Phytophthora infestans), a fungal disease that causes dark, moist lesions on leaves, stems and fruit. Under conditions of high humidity, late blight spreads rapidly and can destroy the entire crop in a matter of days.

The presence of pests and diseases in tomato crops reduces productivity, generates deformed or unviable fruit for the market and increases pesticide and management costs. Therefore, it is essential to adopt efficient and sustainable control practices.

A promising solution for pest and disease control in tomato farming is biological control. The use of biological insecticides based on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is effective against the tomato leafminer. To combat whitefly, the fungus beauveria bassiana is indicated, as it infects and kills the adults of the pest. In the case of late blight, microorganisms, such as Trichoderma spp., compete with the pathogen, helping to reduce infestation.

The use of biological products has the additional advantage of reducing the use of agrochemicals, minimizing residues on the fruit and environmental impacts. In addition, they preserve the natural enemies of pests, which contributes to the ecological balance of the crop and prevents the development of resistance in pathogens.

With proper management and biological control, farmers can achieve more sustainable production, good productivity and high-quality tomatoes. By reducing dependence on chemicals, they not only preserve the environment, but also benefit the health of rural workers and consumers.

The adoption of sustainable methods is, therefore, essential to guarantee the future of Brazilian tomato farming, ensuring both the profitability of the sector and environmental preservation.

* By Renato Brandao, BRQ Brasilquímica