In Tanzania, tobacco is an important cash crop benefiting most farmers and stakeholders. However, the crop is characterized by a low yield per unit area. Several factors are responsible for the low yield and quality of tobacco, among which are damages caused by the insects and other pests. Major insect pests of tobacco are cutworms (Agrotis spp), budworms (Heliothis virescens (F.)), (Lepidoptera Noctuidae) and aphids (Myzus persicae, Aphis tabaci) (Homoptera: Aphididae). These pests adversely affect crop growth, yield and leaf quality. In order to reduce insect attack in tobacco, applying pesticides is a critical management practices. In Tanzania, various pesticides have been approved for use in controlling the pests. Currently, farmers are using Bamethrine 2.5 EC to control the pests. The Pesticide named Protector 700 WG with an active ingredient imidacloprid 700 g/kg is a new product introduced in Tanzania during the 2021/22 crop season. Research trials were conducted in three research sites, namely Ulowa-Kahama, Tumbi-Tabora and Mtanila-Chunya, on Protector 700 WG efficacy in different rates, 15 g, 20 g, and 25 g each dissolved in 20 litres of water. The Protector 700 Wg was compared with the standard pesticide (Bamethrin 2.5 EC). Absolute control was also inclusive where the plot had no application of pesticides. The results showed that Protector 700 WG at all rates outweigh the commonly used pesticide. The difference in the number of pests between Protector 700 WG and Bamethrin 2.5 EC was significantly at P < 0.005 also, in dry and green weights, the yield was significantly different at P < 0.005. However, when yield and number of insects were compared among the rates of protector, there was no significant difference. From these results, farmers are advised applying Protector 700 WG at the rate of 0.15 kg/ha by dissolving it in 200 litres of water.
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