Embrapa updates correct management of pest insects and mites in tomato cultivation

Producers, technical assistance and rural extension technicians and students in the area of ​​Agricultural Sciences now have access to another important tool to identify, monitor and correctly apply the management of pest insects and mites found in tomato cultivation: the publication “Integrated pest management of table tomatoes” brings together recent, updated and systematized information on the topic, including topics such as integrated pest management (IPM), tomato pests, pest control and recommendations for the use of pesticides.

“The publication integrates part of the documents guiding the specific technical standards for the integrated production of tuna tomatoes in Brazil, a work developed and shared between Embrapa Hortaliças and the Agricultural Research and Rural Extension Company of Santa Catarina (Epagri), based on of demand sent by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA)”, explains researcher Miguel Michereff Filho, who shared the production with researchers Alice Duval, Alice Nagata, Mirtes Lima and Epagri researcher Juracy Lima Jr., who develops related research in Santa Catarina.

Among the topics present in the work, IPM can be seen as the guiding thread that permeates other aspects covered, given its importance for successful pest control, based on the correct recognition of these organisms and their effects on the crop. . As explained in the points covered in the publication, the technical recommendations range from the seedling production phase to fruit harvesting and recommend the monitoring of pests, the correct use of pesticides and the possibilities of adopting biological control for each key pest in the culture:

 “Unlike the traditional (conventional) pest control system, in IPM a phytophagous (herbivorous) insect or mite is only considered a pest when it causes economic damage, that is, when it can cause financial loss equal to or greater than the cost of its control”, hence the importance of correct identification of organisms (diagnosis) by the producer or technician. In this context, routine inspections in cultivation are essential for the success in controlling these phytosanitary problems”.

Among the best-known arthropods in tomato cultivation, the publication highlights whiteflies, thrips and tomato moths as key (very relevant) pests, for which strict monitoring must be adopted during the nursery phase. until the end of cultivation.

Along with the presentation of the main crop pests, the main symptoms of infestation in the crop are described, as well as the symptoms of viruses associated with transmitting insects, all with illustrations that facilitate their recognition in the field. 

The main pest control practices are recommended following a logic of adoption throughout the crop cycle, with objective writing that allows for friendly reading.