Organic Control Measures to Manage Fruit Borer in Tomato Crop

Tomato fruit borer, also known as Helicoverpa armigera, is a major pest problem of tomato cultivation in India and other parts of the world. It originated from Africa and spread to other continents through trade and migration. It is a polyphagous insect that can feed on over 360 plant species, including many crops of economic importance. The larval stage of this pest causes direct damage to tomato plants by boring circular holes on the fruits and eating the internal content. This makes the fruits unmarketable and reduces the yield and quality of the crop.

• Type of Infestation: Pest
• Common Name: Fruit Borer
• Scientific Name: Helicoverpa armigera
• Infesting Stage of Pest: Larvae
• Most Affected Plant Part: Fruits, buds and shoots

Environmental factors favourable for pest infestation:

1. Temperature: Fruit bore incidence will start at 10-200°C of temperature. It reaches maximum ETL at 20-30°C.
2. Relative Humidity: 45-60 % of relative humidity is favorable for pest incidence.

Most affected states in India:

Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh.

Symptoms:

1. Initial Symptoms: Young larvae feed on tender leaves voraciously which leads to defoliation, later they starve to fruits.
2. Severe Symptoms: Circular holes are made by mature larvae. Matured larvae feed on fruits, by keeping head inside and remaining body outside. We can observe entries whole on fruits and larval fecal matter. They even feed on buds and shoots.

Biological control measures for fruit borer in tomato:

Prophylactic

Curative

Product details :

1. Xymo Ultra Spectrum : This is available in liquid formation, which is a combination of Botanical extracts / Plant oils, Stabilizers & Excipients. It mainly targets the larval stage of insects. Paralyze the nervous system of insects and hampers movement/flying and feeding. Plant Extracts in Xymo Ultra Spectrum provides various Alkaloids which increases plants SAR (Systemic Acquired Resistance) and Highly effective on all types of worms such as borers, Cotton Bollworm, Caterpillar, Army worms, Leaf Miners, and other similar Insects
2. Xymo Bugtrol: This is available in liquid formation. Product is a unique combination of Botanical extracts / Plant oils, Stabilizers & Excipients. This bio pesticide is recommended for all crops and mainly targets beetles and sucking insects. Major benefits of Xymo Bugtrol is, alkaloids present in it increase plant SAR .
3. Xymo Max Spread: This is available in liquid form, which is helpful for uniform spreading of biopesticide on sprayed areas. This can be used for all crops. It breaks down the surface tension of water and increases the wetting and spreading of a spray solution. Spreaders help the insecticide to spread more evenly and adhere better to surfaces, which can improve coverage and efficacy.

For more details, please visit page: ‘Pests Management in Tomato Crop using UAL Organic Based Products’