THE EFFECT OF TOMATO PLANT PHENOLOGY AND FIELD INFESTATIONOF LEAF MINER (Tuta absuluta). IN OBIO AKPA, AKWA IBOM STATE

Abstract

An experiment was carried out in March to July, 2024 at Akwa Ibom State University Teaching and Research Farm to evaluate the effect of tomato plant phenology and field infestation of leaf Miner (Tuta absuluta). Randomized complete block design was used, with 3 tomato varieties (Cymbal, Platinum, and Cobra) combined with 4 pest control methods (Neem extract, Andro, Cypermethrin, and control) and replicated three times. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, number of flowers, number of fruits, number of aborted fruits, degree of attack, fruit weight(kg), and yield(t/ha). Analysis of variance and least significance difference were used. Tomato varieties showed significant differences in height(cm), number of branches and leaves. Pesticide showed significant differences across all parameters. Plants treated with Cypermethrin performed better by recording the lowest attack (0.75), the highest fruit (34.08), and yield (4.67t/ha) followed by Neem that recorded degree of attack (4.83), number of fruits (33.92), and yield (3.63t/ha) while control was susceptible with degree of attack (12.08), lowest fruits (29.08), and lowest yield (2.51t/ha). The study concludes that Cypermethrin and Neem pesticides are effective in mitigating Tuta absoluta infestation. These measures, integrated with tolerant varieties, will enhance tomato productivity