Mtambo, C.C., Hoeschle-Zeledon, I., 2001.
The development of integrated control methods for the tomato bed spider mite (Tetranychus evansi) in Malawi. Phiri, I.M.G.S.A.R.C.E.H.C., Agricultural technologies for sustainable development in Malawi. Proceedings of the first annual scientific conference held at the Malawi Institute of Management: 139-147.
Abstract
Two experiments were conducted at Makoka Agricultural Research Station, in farmers fields around Njolomole EPA in Ntcheu district during the 1998/99 dry season with the main objective of developing control methods for the red spider mite (Tetranychus evansi), an exotic mite of south American origin. In the first experiment, farmers control methods were evaluated. These included an application of: (i) a concoction of tobacco, ash and soap, (ii) Neorautanemia mitis tuber (locally known as Mphanjovu) and (iii) Tephrosia vogelii. The application of the concoction resulted in lower mite infestation compared with the application of Mphanjobvu or botanical pesticides. In the second experiment, tomato was interplanted with aromatic crops, Garlic or Onion, which are reported to have repellent action against the mite. In this trial, the tomato/onion intercrop had a slightly lower percentage of infested plants than the garlic intercrop. The pure stand of tomato had the highest mite population density and a high rate of leaf bronzing.
