IDENTIFICATION OF TOMATO (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM) FRUIT BORERS IN KANO NIGERIA

This study aimed to identify various tomato fruit borers infesting tomato fruits, characterize their morphological features, determine their relative abundance, and assess survival rates at different developmental stages during rearing. Larvae were collected from infested tomatoes at Yankaba Market in Kano, Nigeria, and reared under controlled conditions. Identification employed multiple techniques including morphological characterization, dichotomous keys, and digital tools. Results revealed a diverse pest complex dominated by Helicoverpa armigera (38.5%) and Tuta absoluta (23.1%), with H. zea (15.4%), H. punctigera (7.7%), H. assulta (7.7%), and Mythimna unipuncta (7.7%) also present. Distinctive morphometric characteristics were documented, including diagnostic wing patterns and size parameters that facilitate field identification. Survival rates varied significantly between developmental stages, with larval survival at 58.06% (27.6°C) and pupal survival at 41.94% (28.9°C), identifying the pupal stage as a potential vulnerability for targeted control. This study contributes novel baseline data on tomato fruit borer species composition in the region and establishes reliable morphological markers for field identification. We recommend implementing an integrated pest management approach prioritizing H. armigera and T. absoluta, developing early detection systems based on identified morphological characteristics, and focusing control efforts on vulnerable pupal stages.