BIOLOGICALLY CONTROL OF TUTA ABSOLUTA IN TOMATO FIELDS BEGINS IN FANTEAKWA NORTH AND SOUTH

Tomatoes rank among the most widely consumed vegetables in Ghana year-round; however, the productivity of tomato cultivation faces significant challenges due to various diseases and pests. Among these threats, the tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) stands out as one of the most menacing pests.

Addressing pests in agricultural production is a critical concern, and reliance solely on chemical pesticides proves inadequate. Thus, comprehensive knowledge of pests and their natural adversaries becomes imperative. Identifying natural enemies offers a pathway to pest control through natural means, thereby mitigating the necessity for chemical pesticides.
A dedicated team comprising Mr. Patrick Beseh, alongside Miss Hannah Frimpong and Miss Saraphine Amedior, representing the Biological Control Unit of the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD), embarked on a two-day exercise in the district from March 27th to 28th, 2024. The team’s principal objective was to survey for Necideocoris tenius, predatory insects known to combat the tomato leaf miner.

While the immediate aim of this exercise was to locate these predator insects within tomato fields across the country, the overarching goal extended to studying and breeding them in abundance. Subsequently, these predators will be released into the fields to biologically control Tuta absoluta.

These methods are integral to ensuring sustainable agricultural practices within the region. Communities engaged in tomato cultivation, including Obooho, Teimuni, Akoradarko (Odumhemaa), and Abodobi (Fanteakwa South), were visited during this endeavor.
The collaborative efforts of the dedicated team signify a crucial step towards fostering resilience and sustainability within Ghana’s tomato farming communities. By harnessing natural solutions and promoting biological control measures, we pave the way for a more environmentally conscious and economically viable future in agriculture. This ongoing commitment to innovation and cooperation promises to safeguard both the livelihoods of farmers and the abundance of Ghana’s agricultural landscapes for generations to come.