Effect and Control measures adopted for Tomato Leaf Miner (Tuta absoluta) in Nuwakot, Nepal

Abstract

The introduction of South American tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta in Nepal is rather recent. The study was carried out in Shivapuri and Panchakanya Rural Municipalities of Nuwakot district from January to May, 2018 to understand effects and control measures adopted in addressing this insect. Seventy households which were involved in tomato cultivation were selected through the simple random sampling and semi-structured questionnaire were used for primary data collection. Tuta leaf miner was one of the most problematic insects of tomato farmers. The study revealed that 97.1% of total farmers have had Tuta absoluta infestation in their tomato crops. The infestation of Tuta has increased within a year in case of study area. The highest percentage of farmers using Tomato Leaf Miner lure suffered the loss in the range of 10-20% while the majority of farmers not using TLM lure suffered loss in the range of 40-60%. About 53% of the farmers had knowledge on Integrated Pest Management and have been using IPM based control measures. This signifies level of awareness among farmers and IPM plays vital role in technology and control measure adoption. The best mechanical method adopted in the study area to control Tuta was found to be TLM Lure. This study indicates that IPM strategies using combined chemical and mechanical method for the control of this pest could be effective among some farmers.