Colorization of the Tomato Fruit due to Infestation with Helicoverpa Armigera Larvae

Abstract

Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.) is one of the most serious and highly polyphagous species causing damage in vegetative and reproductive plant stages. The present experiment was performed on a tomato field in Mirtia, Ilia, Greece. The color of the fruits transformed from green to yellow within 7 days post infestation by H. armigera larvae and converted to black within 14 days. This work indicates conversion color linked to infestation from H. armigera larvae and in the degradation rate of tomato fruit

Keywords: Helicoverpa armigera, tomato cultivation, coloriztion