An evaluation of pest and disease control practices in field process tomatoes in Hawkes Bay and opportunities for improved pest management : a thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Horticultural Science at Massey University

Abstract

The spray practices of seven process tomatoes growers in the Hawkes Bay were evaluated during the 1990/1991 season by analysis of spray diaries, field surveys, and weather data. In very few instances were calendar spray systems, weather or insect thresholds used to determine spray scheduling. Use of monitoring and forecasting systems already available will help decrease the number of sprays applied providing adequate research is done to adapt them to local conditions. It is concluded that there is potential for pest management and integrated pest management systems to be introduced into the process tomato crops.