Effect of chemical control on insect populations infesting tomatoes : with notes on the behavior and larval development of Heliothis zea (Boddie)

Of the nine insecticides evaluated Ambush®, Cygon® and Pounce® most effectively suppressed aphid populations on tomatoes. Significantly lower fruitworm damage occurred on the carbamate and synthetic pyrethroid treatments than on the Cygon treatment or the untreated check.

The tomato fruitworm migrated an average of 10 cm a day on tomato plants while 69% of observed feeding occurred on the fruit and 31% on the foliage. Larvae were unable to survive on a diet solely of tomato fruit, while larvae reared on tomato foliage were significantly smaller than larvae reared on artificial diet. Adult females preferred to deposit eggs on the underside of leaves and on fruit.