Status of Tuta absoluta Larva in Tomato Growing Sites of Kathmandu Valley

Abstract

This research was conducted to explore the status of Tuta absoluta larvae in Kathmandu Valley, analyze its seasonal variation, explore the relation of larvae with physical parameters (temperature and humidity). Three study sites Dahachowk (site 1), Gundu (site 2) and Naikap (site 3) were selected. T. absoluta larvae were collected from these study sites from April 2019 to January 2020 with monthly visit to each sites using quadrat method (10×10 m²). There were varying levels of abundance of Tuta absoluta among the three sites. In terms of abundance, Dahachowk area (site 1) showed highest abundance of larvae (12.7± 4.9) whereas least abundance at Naikap site (site3) (11.4± 6.5). During autumn, T. absoluta populations were the highest and least during winter. Different sites have different interactions with temperature and humidity regarding T. absoluta larvae populations. Humidity and temperature showed statistical significance on dependent variable i.e., larval abundance on all the sites. To mitigate the impact of T. absoluta on the Kathmandu Valley's agricultural community, tailored integrated pest management practices must be implemented according to site-specific environmental conditions. As a result of identifying the distribution and abundance of this invasive pest, targeted control measures can be developed and crop losses can be reduced.