Problemas entomológicos na cultura do tomate em Cabo Verde. Estudo de caso na Ilha de Santiago

Mestrado em Engenharia Agronómica - Instituto Superior de AgronomiaTomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is a major vegetable crop produced in Santiago Island, Cape Verde. In this study the importance of Cape Verdean agriculture and particularly the importance of the horticultural sector in agriculture are highlighted. Cultural practices and tomato varieties widely adopted by growers in the Island are described. A literature review for the already mentioned pest problems and to the potential ones, mainly focused on the control methods is presented. Experimental plots were installed in São Jorge dos Órgãos, São Domingos and Tarrafal, to collect and identify the main pests associated with this crop and to monitor their evolution throughout the crop phenological cycle. Observations were weekly made on the installed plots. We identified some species formerly described as pests in Cape Verde Islands and some others that were found infesting the crop but were not described, previously, as tomato pests in the country: Aphis sp, Brachycaudus sp., Cicadellidae species, Megalurothrips sp. and Tuta absoluta. The population evolution and plant incidence of thrips, whiteflies, caterpillars, leafminer mines, aphids and mirids was monitored along this study. Vertical distribution of these pest and beneficials on the plant was also studied. Tuta absoluta was identified in some farmers’ fields and the damage caused by this pest was evaluated through a survey questionnaire to those farmers facing the problem