Efficacy of novel pesticides in the management of common tomato insect pests in central Uganda

Abstract

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is one of the most important and highly consumed vegetables in Uganda but the production is highly impeded by common pests. These pests are efficiently controlled by the use of pesticides. This field study was carried out at MUARIK to evaluate the comparative efficacy of some two selected pesticides in managing tomato pests of tomato in central Uganda. The test pesticides include Fipronil, Emamectin benzoate and Dimethoate. The treatments were applied at recommended rate, 50% less of the recommended rate and 50% more of the recommended rate all laid in randomized complete block design. Treatments were applied after every two weeks from two weeks after transplanting and data collected two weeks after application of treatment application. Data was collected on pest’s severity and number of flowers. The pests evaluated were mainly aphids, thrips, leaf minor and fruit worm. All the test pesticides at every rate were significantly effective than the untreated control in reducing incidence and subsequently increased flower number compared to the untreated control. The higher rates regardless of the pesticides all reduced pest severity. The results suggested that Fipronil at the recommended rate, and Fipronil at 50% more of the recommended rate and Emamectin Benzoate at 50% more of the recommended rate, and at the recommended rate are the most effective and are providing acceptable control of the selected tomato pests than the other tested pesticides and the rates.