Impact of Pests and Diseases on Three Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) Genotypes Productivity Under Hedgerow System

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L), popular vegetable grown in traditional and alternative farming systems, such as agroforestry. The study focuses to assess the impact of insect damage caused by (potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera)), fungal infections by (Phytophthora infestans), and wildlife damage from (rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)) on three tomato genotypes, Szentlőrinckáta, ACE55, and Roma. Were grown in random block design with five replicates, on both sides of a hedgerow in Hungary MATE. The plots were situated at five different distances (3m, 6m, 9m, 12m, and 15m) from the hedgerow on both windy and protected sides.

The results indicate the choice of tomato variety had a significant effect on fruit production; ACE55 yielded less healthy green and red fruits compared to Roma and Szentlőrinckáta. Tomato variety, side, and distance significantly influenced insect damage and overall yield in tomato plants. Fungal damage was not serious in 2022 - and was not significantly affected by variety, side, and distance. Potato beetle damage was more prevalent on the protected side, ACE55 had significantly fewer damaged fruits compared to both Roma and Szentlőrinckáta. Wild animal damage was significantly affected by distance from the hedgerow.

Insect damage was higher on the protected side and lower on the windy side of the hedgerow, depending on insects and survey date. Despite higher insect damage, the protected side promoted healthy red and green fruit production, particularly Roma and Szentlőrinckáta.