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Date:2014-06-17
In a survey performed from April to August in 2010, we determined that major tomato pests include tobacco cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabticius), silver leaf whitefly (Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring), tomato fruit worm (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner), slug (Incilaria sp.), snail (Bradybaena similaris Ferussac) and tomato russet mite (Aculops lycopersici Massee). Tomato plants in the seedling stage were damaged by snail and slug. Spraying tea seed drugs on the aisle and near the plant before planting is recommended. The numbers of tobacco cutworm reached a peak in May. At that time we can release a predatory natural enemy like stink bug (Eocanthecona furcellata Wolff) and apply sex pheromone to control them. Tomato russet mite is the newest threat to the tomato crop in Taiwan. It can induce serious injury on tomato plants, damaging leaves, stems and fruits, causing them to become brown color, wither and die. This research focuses on organic culture practices with natural organic pest control methods.