Virtual insetary: main pests of the Nicotiana tabacum culture

Abstract

Pests that attack crops are a major problem faced by producers, causing direct effects such as damage to tobacco leaves, or indirect damage such as contamination. The objective of this study was to facilitate understanding of the importance of carrying out the correct control of each pest, and the most appropriate management to avoid losses in the final productivity of the crop. A survey of the main pests existing in tobacco crops was carried out based on books, manuals, magazines and scientific articles. The study surveyed the cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon), tobacco mandarová (Manduca sexta paphus), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), tobacco flea (Epitrix fasciata) and the cowpea (Diabrotica speciosa). Based on the review, the biological cycles, the direct and indirect damage they cause in their various life stages, and the appropriate management for control were presented. The virtual insectary is a digital tool to assist in pest management in tobacco crops. The final result of the work resulted in a resource that offers practicality and ease in pest management.