Occurrence of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on tomato in the Espírito Santo state

Abstract

The species Helicoverpa armigera is one of the most important polyphagous and widely distributed pests in the world. Its occurrence was recently reported on soybean and cotton, in the states of Goiás, Mato Grosso and Bahia, Brazil. Tomato is also host species of H. armigera, among the 200 registered, being one of the most important crops in the Espírito Santo state. The production of tomatoes is fully dedicated for fresh consumption and the damage caused by H. armigera in fruits make unfeasible marketing. Therefore, this study aimed to record the occurrence of H. armigera in tomato crop in the Espírito Santo state. From February 2012 to October 2013, insects were collected from tomato plants in some producing areas. After insect identification, by dissection of the genitalia of adult moths, it was possible to confirm the occurrence of H. armigera on tomato crop in the Espírito Santo state.