Tomato looper

Chrysodeixis chalcites

Overview:

Type of Pest: Chrysodeixis chalcites, commonly known as the Tomato Looper or Golden Twin-spot Moth, is a moth species that can be a pest of various crops, including tomatoes and other vegetables.

Physical Characteristics:

  • Adults: Moths with a wingspan of approximately 35 to 40 mm.
  • Larvae: Caterpillars with a range of color variations, including green, brown, or pink, with distinctive longitudinal stripes.

Life Cycle:

  • Egg Stage: Eggs are laid on the undersides of leaves.
  • Larval Stage: Larvae hatch and feed on plant foliage.
  • Pupal Stage: Pupation occurs in the soil or in plant debris.
  • Adult Stage: Fully developed moths emerge, and the cycle repeats.

Identification of Crop Infestation:

  • Foliage Damage: Larvae feed on leaves, causing irregular holes and defoliation.
  • Crawling Movement: Larvae move in a looping fashion, characteristic of this group of caterpillars.
  • Frass: Presence of insect excrement (frass) on leaves or near feeding sites.

Management Strategies:

  1. Cultural Practices:

    • Crop Rotation: Rotate crops to disrupt the life cycle and reduce pest pressure.
    • Clean Fields: Remove and destroy crop residues after harvest.

  2. Biological Control:

    • Natural Enemies: Encourage natural enemies such as parasitoid wasps and predatory insects.
    • Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): Use Bt formulations specific to caterpillar pests.

  3. Chemical Control:

    • Insecticides: Application of insecticides may be necessary, especially during periods of peak larval activity.
    • Selective Insecticides: Choose insecticides that are less harmful to beneficial insects.

  4. Reflective Mulches:

    • Mulching: Use reflective mulches to deter moths from laying eggs on plants.
    • Physical Barrier: Install floating row covers to protect young plants.

  5. Monitoring:

    • Visual Inspection: Regularly inspect plants for signs of larval activity and defoliation.
    • Pheromone Traps: Use pheromone traps to monitor adult moth populations.

Note: The Tomato Looper can be a concern for vegetable crops, especially during periods of high larval activity. Integrated pest management (IPM) practices that combine cultural, biological, and chemical control methods are essential for effective pest management. Always follow recommended guidelines and consult with local agricultural experts for site-specific recommendations.