Prevalence of pest of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) planted in open fields in Umuekah Isiala Ngwa North Abia state, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Tomatoes have contributed immensely to the nutritional values of human and animal foods. However, it5s importance face serious problems of pest attack which results in heavy losses annually. This study was carried out at open field Umuekeah farm to collect, determine the type, and prevalence ofpests that affect tomato plants grown there. A total of 318 pests were collected during the study. These pests belong to five (5) taxonomic orders which include four arthropod insect pests whereas one is a gastropod. They include Leaf miner {Liriomyza trifolii), Snail (Theba pisana)9 Leafhopper (Empoasca fabae)^ Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) and Aphid (Aphis gossypii). The Leaf miner had the highest prevalence (25.78%) while the Aphid had the least prevalence (13.21%). Generally, the number ofpests collected during the fruiting period ofthe L. esculentum was higher than during its early stage.