<b>Methods for caterpillars’ control in the culture of tomato</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actasciagron.v29i3.278

Abstract

Five methods for the control of caterpillars, which attack the culture of tomato, were analyzed: the conventional method of application of phytosanitary products; the integrated pest management (IPM); the IPM with the use of Azadirachta indica. extract at 5% (Neem); the sacking of the tomato fruit immediately after flowering, and the control plants (without any treatment against pest). The methods that used phytosanitary products (conventional and IPM) efficiently controlled the caterpillars on the tomato plants and, as a consequence, promoted an increase in the productivity of the culture of 156 and 165% respectively, if compared with the control plants. The number of pulverizations had a reduction of 66.7% when the IPM was used compared to the conventional. The performance of the IPMNeem treatment was significantly the same as the control, denoting poor efficiency in controlling the borer caterpillars. The method of sacking the tomato fruit consisted of a promising alternative in the production without the presence of insecticides.