Effective monitoring and control of the tomato borer are decisive for the producer's success

The so-called tomato borer (Neuleucinodes elegantalis) is one of the main challenges faced by tomato producers. For the Italian-Japanese company Sipcam Nichino Brasil, monitoring of the pest – a tiny caterpillar, with high potential for economic damage – must occur throughout the harvest. The recommendation is to treat the crop with a fast-acting insecticide between flowering and fruiting, once populations of the caterpillar are found in the adult stage.

Experts and researchers state that the most acute infestations of the tomato borer cause losses of more than 50% of a crop's production. The most produced vegetable in Brazil today, with around 1,9 million tons harvested annually, and a sales value of around R$ 3,5 billion, tomatoes operate on more than 48 thousand agricultural properties, in 4 thousand municipalities of the Country (Cepea/USP).

According to Sipcam Nichino, the insecticide Trebon 100 SC, from the company's portfolio, acts to prevent the penetration of this caterpillar into tomato fruits. The product works immediately after being applied, “right away”, describes agronomist Carulina Oliveira, the company’s product manager. “Depending on crop conditions, the application of Trebon 100 SC can be done preventively”, she adds.

“We consider it technically appropriate that management with Trebon 100 SC is carried out from the flowering stage and beginning of fruiting of the crop, precisely so that the caterpillar cannot feed on the fruit and damage it commercially”.

According to Sipcam Nichino, Trebon 100 SC has stood out in a series of studies carried out at field level, in experimental and commercial areas. One of the product's differentiators, says the company, is its rapid action on the egg, larva and 1st instar stages of the pest. Data obtained shows that the effectiveness of Trebon 100 SC on larvae reaches almost 90% of the population, immediately after application. In relation to eggs and adults, the insecticide achieves 98,6% control.

“All tests confirm the superior effect of the insecticide, compared to other active ingredients used in the producer’s standard treatment”, reveals Carulina. She further explains that Trebon 100 SC acts directly on the tomato borer's nervous system, through contact and ingestion.

“It is an insecticide with a different mode of action, highly selective to the pest’s natural enemies, compatible with biological products, suitable for managing the caterpillar’s ​​resistance to insecticides and also for IPM or integrated pest management.”