2009 Volume 2009 Issue 56 Pages 29-32
Insect-proof nets are one of the best safeguards to inhibit Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) infection by Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). Nets with more cross meshes prevent B. tabaci invasion but growth of tomato seedlings can be affected. Insect-proof nets with 3 mesh sizes were compared and nets with a 0.4×0.4mm mesh did not affect seedling growth. On the other hand, a net with 0.4×0.4 mm mesh size was less effective than neonicotinoid granules in preventing infection of TYLCV and invasion of B. tabaci Q biotype but a combination of the two methods significantly inhibited TYLCV infection. This combination was the most effective for inhibiting infection during tomato seedling growth.
