Editorial Book

Book Title: Advanced Researches in Agricultural Sciences (Volume 2)

PAID ACCESS | Published on : 26-Oct-2026 | Pages: 183-192 | Doi : https://doi.org/10.37446/vol2book092025/183-192

Integrated Pest Management in Tomato: Sustainable Strategies, Emerging Technologies and Future Prospects

• Dr. Yogesh Kumar Sidar
• Subject Matter Specialist, Department of Entomology, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sukma, IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.


• Dr. Yogesh Kumar Meshram
• Professor, Department of Entomology, IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.


• Dr. Vivek Kumar Kurrey
• Rural Horticulture Extension Officer, Department of Horticulture Government of Chhattisgarh, India.


• Dr. Gunjeshree Gond
• Subject Matter Specialist, Department of Vegetable Science, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sukma, IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most economically important vegetable crops cultivated in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. Its production is constrained by a complex of insect and mite pests that damage seedlings, foliage, flowers and fruits, reduce marketable yield, and transmit viral pathogens. Major pests include the tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera; South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta; whiteflies, Bemisia tabaci; aphids, Myzus persicae and Aphis gossypii; thrips, Thrips spp.; leaf miners, Liriomyza spp.; and several mite species. Excessive dependence on synthetic insecticides may lead to resistance, resurgence, destruction of natural enemies, pesticide residues and increased production costs. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) provides an ecologically based alternative by combining preventive agronomic practices, regular pest surveillance, mechanical removal, pheromone-based monitoring, biological control, botanical products and need-based chemical interventions. Natural farming approaches further emphasise crop diversity, soil health, ecological balance, botanical preparations and conservation of beneficial organisms. However, natural farming inputs should be evaluated according to their efficacy, safety, preparation quality and consistency rather than assumed to provide complete protection against every pest. This chapter reviews the identification, biology, damage symptoms, monitoring and integrated management of major tomato pests, with particular emphasis on field-level implementation in India. It also presents an IPM schedule, decision-making principles and research priorities for sustainable tomato production.

 

Keywords

Tomato, insect pests, integrated pest management, Helicoverpa armigera, Tuta absoluta, biological control, botanical pesticides, sustainable agriculture

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