Study of insecticide usage pattern on tomato in Deccan region of India

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivation in Deccan region is severely affected by two major pests, Tutaabsoluta Meyrick and Helicoverpa armigera Hubner, which cause significant yield losses. Farmers primarily rely onintensive insecticide applications to manage these pests. Surveys conducted from August 2023 to February 2025 acrosseight major tomato-growing locations in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh documented activeingredients, spray frequency, and application practices. In Karnataka, Kolar recorded the highest number of sprays perseason (9-15), with repeated use of neonicotinoids and pyrethroids, while Belagavi and Ballari reported 8-12 and 6-10sprays, respectively, with frequent application of diamides and neonicotinoids. Maharashtra districts recorded 6-10 spraysper season, mainly using diamides, spinosyns, neonicotinoids and organophosphates, while Telangana and Andhra Pradeshreported 5-10 sprays. Across all regions, chlorantraniliprole, imidacloprid and lambda-cyhalothrin were the most consistentlyapplied insecticides. Repeated use of the same active ingredients or multiple compounds from the same group increasedinsecticide load and selection pressure, indicating a high risk of resistance development.