La Niña may increase the incidence of whitefly in tomato crops

Climatic conditions have been favorable for the proliferation of whiteflies (Bemisia spp.). The warning comes from BASF technicians. High temperatures and low humidity create an environment conducive to the increase in the insect population. This scenario is even more worrying in the states of Goiás, São Paulo and Minas Gerais, the main tomato producers in Brazil.

The prospect of the occurrence of the La Niña phenomenon, characterized by drier periods, intensifies the risk of pest attacks, requiring constant monitoring and strict control.

Marina Pacheco, an agricultural engineer at BASF, warns about the importance of farmers adopting effective control measures, especially in times of climate stress.

"Pest control is one of the biggest concerns for tomato growers, especially during adverse weather conditions, when crops are more susceptible to attacks from pests such as whiteflies," says Marina. She emphasizes the need for farmers to use the right tools at the right time to ensure productivity.

Faced with increasing pressure from whiteflies, BASF launched the insecticide Vinquo, formulated from the Inscalis molecule, aimed at controlling sucking pests such as Bemisia spp. According to Katty Corrente, BASF's marketing leader, the product was created to maximize quality and productivity in the field, meeting the needs of farmers.

Another important strategy in combating whiteflies is the development of more resistant tomato varieties. Nunhems invests in the development of hybrids that offer greater resistance to viruses transmitted by the pest. The Strongton variety stands out, as it has proven effective against the Rugoso Virus (ToBRFV) and the geminivirus (TYLCV), both transmitted by whiteflies.

About the whitefly

The whitefly (Bemisia spp) is one of the 83 pests with the greatest phytosanitary risk for Brazil, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. The increased incidence of the insect during periods of heat and drought can cause severe losses, reaching up to 100% in tomato crops.

More information at:

• Whitefly control measures on tomato

• BASF launches three products for HF

• Whitefly as a vector of the virus responsible for yellow yellow disease in tomatoes

• Little white pest