Assessment of Major Tomato Pests and Evaluation of Varietal Resistance under Open Field and Lath House Conditions in South Wollo, Ethiopia

The proposed study, titled “Assessment of Major Tomato Pests and Evaluation of Varietal Resistance under Open Field and Lath House Conditions in South Wollo, Ethiopia in 2018/19 to 2019/20E.C., both irrigation and main cropping seasons,” aims to address the major biotic constraints that limit tomato productivity in the region. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important crop with high nutritional and economic value, yet its yield is significantly reduced by fungal diseases, insect pests, and weed infestations. In South Wollo, limited data exist on the incidence, severity, and distribution of these constraints, as well as on the performance of different tomato varieties under local open-field and lath house conditions. To fill these gap, the three-year study will first assess major tomato diseases, pests, and weeds in six districts Legambo, Tenta, Mekdela, Kelala, Wogedie, and Bornaover two years, followed by the evaluation of seven varieties (Melkasholla, Bisholla, Roma VF, ARP Tomato D2, Gulabi Tomato, Rio Grande VF, and Bakker Brother) for resistance, adaptability, and yield performance in the final year at Segnogebiya in lath house and Bussso under field condition of 2018/19 and 2019/20 E.C. Key parameters will include pest and disease incidence, yield, and yield components, while partial budget analysis will identify the most economically viable varieties. The research will generate comprehensive data to support sustainable tomato production, improve farmer income, enhance food security, and strengthen institutional research capacity in South Wollo. The total budget required for successful implementation is 1,153,032.00 Ethiopian Birr.