Population studies of Heliothis spp. (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) on tomato and corn in southeast Arkansas [Heliothis zea, Heliothis virescens]

Commercial fresh-market tomato fields in southeast Arkansas were monitored for Heliothis spp. during 1981 and 1982. Caterpillar-caused fruit damage, most of which was due to Heliothis , was surveyed during regular plant examinations both years and during harvest in 1982. Oviposition by Heliothis zea in nearby corn plots was also measured during 1982. Although H. virescens was present in the tomato crop system, H. zea was the predominant species. in 1981, highest Heliothis egg counts on tomato were found on 5 and 29 May. In 1982, Heliothis egg densities on tomato were very low until 30 June. Although fruit damage was greater in insecticide-free sections of field during 1982, overall damage was considered to be quite low (ca. 1-2%) in all plots.