Decision-making systems for controlling L. huidobrensis in tomato crops using principles of precision agriculture

Abstract

Decision-making systems are key components in integrated pest management (IPM). Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is the second most cultivated vegetable worldwide. The leaf miner L. huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is one of the main pests in tomato crops around the world and can causes up to 15% of yield losses. Decision-making in precision agriculture is performed on management zones. This approach enables cost reducing, yield enhancement, and reduction of environmental harm. Our research proposes a decision-making system to manage L. huidobrensis in tomato crops, using a precision agriculture management zone approach. We compared the decision-making systems: CI (periodic application calendar), IPM-CS (conventional sampling plan and economic injury level of 3.24 mines. leaf−1), IPM-SS (sequential sampling plan), and IPM-MZ (management zone). Systems IPM-CS, IPM-SS and IPM-MZ reduced 66% of application indications compared to systems CI. Systems IPM-CS and IPM-SS generated errors of 5% and 3% in the decisions of control and no control, respectively. System IPM-MZ had the utmost economic performance, followed by IPM-SS and IPM-CS. Therefore, the IPM-MZ is a promising system to be incorporated into the IPM tomato program for L. huidobrensis control decision-making on zones in which the pest can reach the economic threshold, enhancing crop yield.