Major insect pests and economics of fresh-market tomato in eastern Virginia

Abstract

Major insect pests of fresh-market tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Miller, in eastern Virginia were identified as those responsible for reducing marketable fruit yield from 1998 through 2000. Nineteen arthropod pest species infested spring- and fall-grown tomato crops, but only thrips, stink bugs, and Lepidopterans, particularly the corn earworm ( Helicoverpa zea [Boddie]), reduced yield. Fruit injury by thrips and stink bugs was greater in the spring crop than in the fall crop, whereas fruit injury by Lepidopterans was greater in the fall crop. Marketable fruit yield in untreated spring and fall crops averaged 34% (range=12–51%) and 33% lower (range=26–38%), respectively, than fruit yield in treated plots. Based on these reductions and typical prices for fresh-market tomato, the loss in return per hectare in an untreated tomato field was estimated to range from $US3015 to $US17,883 in the spring crop and $US2555 to $US11,074 in the fall crop. Development of an integrated pest management program for tomato in eastern Virginia should focus initially on thrips, stink bugs and Lepidopterans such as the corn earworm.