Development of Biopesticides for Managing Early Blight and Leaf Miner in Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) Production in Tanzania
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Date
2025-07
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NM-AIST
Abstract
Early blight disease (Alternaria solani) and leaf miners (Tuta absoluta) are major pests of tomato that can cause 80 -100% loss in fruit yield. A study was conducted at the Nelson Mandela Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) laboratory, screen house and field trials in Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions of Tanzania in 2023; to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of various botanical extracts (Azaradirachta indica, Lantana camara, Capsicum frutescens, Zingiber officinale) as biopesticides against A. solani. Results showed significant inhibition of fungal mycelial radial growth in the range of 23.3 (5% fresh lemon grass) to 98.26% (10% hot pepper). The screen house trial showed the positive results on leaf miner reduction by 80%, 76.6% and 72.6% for 10% lantana, 10% hot pepper and 10% ginger respectively. The best four extracts in both laboratory and screen house experiments (10% hot pepper, 5% hot pepper, 10% ginger and 10% lantana) were used in field trials, resulting in an average 50% and 70% reduction in disease severity and incidence, and tomato leaf damage respectively as compared to the negative control. The highest number tomato fruits and weight per plant were observed at Mailisita in 10% lantana (16.56) and 10% hot pepper (2.29 kg). Most of biopesticides with 10% concentration had good performance. Water-extracted biopesticides were found to be more effective than ethanol-extracted ones in inhibiting fungal growth and leaf miners. The 5% hot pepper treatment had the highest treatment advantage revenue (2818.48 USD) and cost benefit ratio (1: 3.5) compared to the negative control.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG -2 : Zero Hunger
SDG -12 : Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG -15 : Life on Land