Integrated Pest Management (IPM) of Tuta Absoluta Meyrick

The main objective of this study was to contribute to enhanced tomato productivity and fruit quality in Rwanda through evaluation of entomopathogens and plant extracts as options for integrated management of T. absoluta. Bioassay experiments were conducted at the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board to determine: the potential of entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) isolates from Rwanda to control T. absoluta the pathogenicity of selected commercial formulations of entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) and the bioactivity of local plant extracts (PEs) against the pest. The two most effective EPNs EPFs and PEs were further evaluated in two field trials to determine their efficacy against T. absoluta infestation and their effects on tomato growth yield and fruit quality. The obtained results are presented and discussed in this document.