Managing red mite in tomato
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F1 hybrids are more susceptible
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GLOBALLY INDIA ranks second in the production of vegetables despite facing threats from various pests and diseases.
Of late, in the northwestern regions of Tamil Nadu, especially in the Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Vellore, Salem districts, tomato cultivation was found to be increasingly under infestation by red mites.
Varieties affected
Red mite is a polyphagous insect. Its major host plants are tomato, chilli, brinjal, cucurbits and beans. F1 tomato hybrids are more prone to red mite attack than conventional varieties.
The red mite is a tiny insect, which cannot be seen by the naked eye. It is mostly found on the under surface of the leaves.
Short lifespan
Both nymphs and adults feed on the sap of the plant. Though the life cycle of the insect is short and lasts for 7-9 days, it causes huge losses to the farmers particularly in the above-mentioned districts. Since the plant sap is being sucked, the leaves initially turn light yellow, which resemble nutrient deficiency symptoms.
Subsequently the leaves turn completely chlorotic with marginal necrosis, as if afflicted by fungal disease.
Eventually the whole plant becomes dry. Infested field exhibits a `fire - burnt' appearance.
Management strategies
Wind is the main carrier of the insect. Raising live fences with sesbania, maize, daincha or castor crops around the field could prevent the entry of the insect.
Insecticides such as 2 ml of dicofol or 2 ml of ethion or 2 gms wettable sulphur diluted in one litre of water are found effective in the control of this pest.
A. RAMESH KUMAR
K. SUBRAMANYAN
& M. KANNAN
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu
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