African bollworm
Common Name
fruit worm, pod borer, tomato grub, tobacco budworm
Scientific Name
Helicoverpa armigera
Issue
Insect
Causes
Preference for the harvestable flowering parts of high-value crops for example tomatoes
Prevention
Cultural practices- crop rotation, enhancement of soil quality, choice of resistant varieties, water management, monitoring, screening and field sanitation, mechanical barriers and post-harvest treatments. Habitat management- use of wild flower strips and
Control
Synthetic pesticides-Bacillus thuringiensis and neem. Biopesticides- pheromones and natural products. Plant extracts- (neem, garlic, pepper and marigold). Physical methods-insect traps and baits, handpicking of damaged fruits and those that have fallen, w