Several tomato farmers in the State are a worried lot, with a small caterpillar pest attacking their crop.
According to National Bureau of Agricultural Important Resources (NBAIR), the caterpillar pest has been identified as Tuta absoluta, originating from South America.
The pest attack has been reported at Malur in Kolar district, parts of Raichur district, parts of Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu, and parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra, said Abraham Verghese, Director of NBAIR.
He said between 2006 and 2015, the pest seemed to have crossed several borders affecting tomato production, besides eggplant (brinjal) and capsicum crops.
“The larvae feed on mesophyll tissues and make irregular mine on the leaf surface. Sometimes, the damage can be 100 per cent, which has been reported in parts of Malur. Due to infestation, the whole farm can look burnt,” he said.
Dr. Verghese said extensive studies have been conducted, which showed “moderate to severe infestation by the pest. Chemical pesticides have failed to control the pest, which has high reproduction capability.”
Control methods
The only viable way to control the pest is through biological methods. He said pheromone traps releasing biological control agents such as egg paracetoids and spraying Bacillus thuringiensis can together help control the pest. While each pheromone trap costs around Rs. 50, NBAIR is working to develop it further through nanotechnology so as to reduce the cost. An acre would require around 40 traps.
Call for assistance
For assistance, farmers may contact NBAIR, Post Bag No. 2491, H.A. Farm Post, Ballari Road, Bengaluru - 5600024, or call (080) 23511982.
