Abstract:
Tomato is a popular vegetable in Kenya and is extensively grown by small-scale farmers. In spite
of the economic benefits to the farmers, insect pests remain one of the most significant constraints
to tomato production. Current insect pests control measures rely on pesticides despite the known
hazards to human health and the environment. Repeated use of pesticides has also led to the
development of resistance by pests. Therefore, it is important to evaluate other pest control
strategies that are safe, effective and economically viable with the aim of minimizing the hazardous
effects of insecticide residues. This study investigated the effectiveness of pyrethrin treated nets
against tomato insect pests. This study was carried out at the university of Embu demonstration
farm for three months period. A local variety of tomato, Riogrande®, was sown in the nursery.
The study involved pyrethrin treated nets, untreated nets and the common farmers grass mulch
shade. Each treatment was replicated three times. Insect diversity was calculated using the
Simpson’s diversity index. The mean numbers of pest population between treatments were
subjected to ANOVA.
