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APPLICATION OF GIS AND REMOTE MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES
IN THE STUDY OF THE BIOECOLOGY OF TOMATO PESTS (ON THE
EXAMPLE OF ANDIJAN REGION)
Jabborxonov Tursunxo‘ja Qaxramon o‘g‘li
Independent researcher at Andijan State University
Email address:
Tursunxo'ja@gmail.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16924669
Abstract:
The article provides an in-depth analysis of the bioecological
characteristics, life cycles, and distribution factors of the main pests of tomato
crops - Tuta absoluta, aphids, and thrips - in the conditions of the Andijan region.
In particular, the possibilities of using modern GIS (Geographic Information
Systems) and remote sensing technologies (drones, multispectral cameras,
satellite images) for the timely detection of these harmful organisms and
planning effective measures to combat them are highlighted. Also, in pest
monitoring, forecasting models based on AI (artificial intelligence), Random
Forest, YOLO, NDVI indices, and early warning systems are explained with
practical examples. The article, based on the real conditions of the Andijan
region, reveals ways to implement innovative approaches in tomato
agroecosystems.
Keywords:
Tomato pests, Tuta absoluta, GIS technologies, Remote sensing,
drone monitoring, NDVI index, Satellite imaging, Artificial intelligence (AI),
Random Forest, YOLO, Andijan region, Bioecology, Early warning system,
Feromon traps, Tomato agroecosystem
Introduction.
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most
important vegetable crops in the world, and its product plays an important role
in human nutrition. However, tomato cultivation is seriously threatened by
various pests - on a global scale, it is noted that insect pests damage an average
of 13-14% of the yield of agricultural crops. In regions with a warm climate, such
as the Andijan region, the most harmful pests to tomato crops are the tomato
moth (Tuta absoluta), various aphids, and thrips. It is known that in the
conditions of the Fergana Valley (including Andijan), the tomato moth has
become one of the five most dangerous pests of vegetable and melon crops in
recent years. In this article, using the example of the Andijan region, the
bioecological characteristics of tomato pests and the use of modern
geoinformation systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies (drones, satellite
imagery, etc.) in monitoring their distribution are analyzed. Attention will also
be paid to the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms in the
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observation process, increasing the effectiveness of monitoring, and forming
early warning systems.
Main tomato pests and their bioecology
In the Andijan region, among the main insects damaging tomato yields in
open fields and greenhouses are the Tuta absoluta (tomato moth), aphids, and
thrips. Below, these pests and their bioecological characteristics (life cycle,
reproduction and distribution factors) are described.
Tuta absoluta (tomato moth)
The tomato moth is a small moth (butterfly) that originated in South
America and has rapidly spread throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and
Africa since 2006. In Uzbekistan, this invasive pest was first identified in 2016
and is currently found in many tomato-growing regions of the country. Tuta
absoluta is an oligophagous plant, mainly characteristic of tomatoes, and can
also damage other nightshade crops (potatoes, eggplants, tobacco, etc.). Its eggs
are small (0.35 mm) and are laid one by one on the leaf surface; each female
butterfly can lay up to 250-300 eggs during its lifetime. The hatched larvae feed
by forming shafts inside leaves and fruits - this shaft-like damage is a
characteristic feature of tomato moths, manifesting as large wounds in leaves
and small holes in fruits. The larva develops in four stages, completing
development in 13-15 days; then pupates in the soil or in plant debris. Adults
(imago) are small grayish-brown butterflies, with a div length of only ~6 mm,
narrow wings, and black spots on top. The life cycle is very short - under optimal
conditions (25-27°C), it takes only 30-35 days for the egg to hatch and
reproduce. Therefore, in warm regions, this pest can develop up to 10-12
generations throughout the year (even in greenhouse conditions). For example,
in observations conducted in the central part of the Fergana Valley, it was noted
that Tuta absoluta produces 5-6 generations during the season (even 6
generations, including those in the warehouse), the development period of each
generation lasted about a month. Reproduction conditions are very suitable for
sunny and warm climates, and larval development accelerates when the daily
temperature is around 25-30°C. In this case, the pest continues to multiply in the
open field until the end of autumn; with the arrival of winter, it can partially
survive in the pupal or adult moth stage. Studies have shown that in the Fergana
Valley, the tomato moth can overwinter in the egg, pupa, and adult moth stages.
In particular, in the Andijan region and adjacent territories, larvae and pupae are
found in open areas before the onset of autumn cold, and in winter, the adult
stage of the live moth is observed in greenhouses (for example, in the Tashlak
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district). This pest flies actively during hot days (mainly at night) and can spread
itself over short distances, but the factors of its spread are mainly related to
human activity: it quickly penetrates new territories through the sale of infected
tomato seedlings or fruits, packaging material, and other products. The influence
of absolute mustard on local crops can be extremely destructive - if effective
control measures are not taken, it is noted in scientific sources that it can
potentially destroy 80-100% of tomato yield. For example, in the conditions of
Uzbekistan, during the first invasion in 2016, it was observed that the tomato
moth spread to almost 100% of the field in some farms within a few weeks (on
the example of the Zangiata district of the Tashkent region). Therefore, the
tomato moth is currently recognized as a pest that poses a serious threat to the
agricultural sector of the region and requires early detection and control.
Aphids (plant lice):
Among the juicy pests that pose a threat to tomato plants, the most
common are the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) and related species, which
form colonies on tomatoes and other vegetables and feed by sucking plant sap.
Insects are very small, soft-bodied insects (1-2 mm long), often living in clusters
on the underside of leaves or at the tips of branches. Their color can be greenish-
yellow, sometimes pink, dark. aphids have a specific life cycle: female individuals
often reproduce directly by live birth without males (through parthenogenesis).
This allows them to grow populations very quickly - at the optimal temperature
(around 25 °C), the full development of one generation is completed in only 10-
12 days. In regions with a warm climate (for example, in the spring-summer
months of the Andijan region), aphids are capable of producing 20 or more
generations per season. Each female aphid can produce an average of 30-80
offspring, and its lifespan is limited to several weeks. As the aphid colony
becomes dense, winged morphs appear in the population, which migrate to new
plants and expand the colony. Breeding conditions: mild and warm weather is
most favorable for aphids' reproduction; their offspring grow quickly in high
humidity and moderate temperature. Several generations alternate before
autumn, and at the end of autumn, when the days become shorter, some species
develop sexual females and males, laying overwintering eggs (often fruit trees -
for example, peaches, apricots of the Prunus genus). Distribution factors: aphids
affect many plant species and are found almost everywhere; due to their small
size, they can be spread over long distances by wind. Especially when seedlings
infected with aphids that have multiplied in greenhouses or nurseries are
brought to the field, the pest quickly spreads to new areas. Indeed, aphids that
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live in the greenhouse year-round and spend the cold season move to open fields
and household plots with seedlings in spring. While aphids damage tomatoes
directly by inhibiting nutrient competition and assimilation, the sweet "aphid"
liquid they secrete leads to the appearance of fungal moths (soy spots) on the
leaves. Most importantly, aphids spread dangerous viral diseases through their
sucking mouthparts - for example, pathogens such as tomato mosaic virus and
potato virus Y common in tomatoes migrate specifically through aphids.
Therefore, early control of aphids plays an important role in preventing viral
diseases.
Thrips:
Trips (belonging to the order Thysanoptera) are also dangerous pests of
tomatoes and other heat-loving crops. The most common species in the Andijan
region is the Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), as well as the
Tobacco Thrips (Thrips tabaci). Trips are very small, thin-bodied insects, about
1 mm long, usually yellowish-brown in color, with narrow wings (perpetually
flapping). Life cycle: stages of thrips development - egg, 2 larval stages, then
immobile prepupa and pupa stages, then imago (adult) stage. In hot conditions,
the complete cycle can be completed very quickly - within 7-15 days. For
example, if the optimal temperature range is around 20-35°C, a week will be
enough for the egg to hatch. Therefore, during the summer months, thrips
reproduce by merging several generations, and the population can increase
dramatically. Female thrips lay eggs on leaf or flower tissue; larvae feed under
the leaf or on the petals. The larval stages are very mobile and feed by sucking
plant cell sap, resulting in the appearance of small whitish-dirty (silver-like)
spots on the leaves. Affected leaves dry and wrinkle, and flowers and fruits may
fall off. Breeding conditions: dry and hot weather contributes to the spread of
thrips - if relative humidity is low, they multiply quickly, otherwise, heavy rains
can wash them away and reduce the population. Usually, thrips survive the
winter in a greenhouse or in the soil in the form of a surviving adult female, as it
is difficult to survive in an open field in a cold climate. Distribution factors:
although thrips cannot fly actively, they can move passively over considerable
distances in the wind due to their light div. Also, the transfer of infected
seedlings and products to new locations is a source of spread. These pests cause
double damage to tomato plants during the feeding process: firstly, they damage
tissues and slow down growth; secondly, they are very dangerous - they
transmit viral diseases. In particular, the tomato bronze spot virus (TSWV -
Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus) is spread by thrips and causes great damage to
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tomato growers. This virus is only taken from the plant by thrips larvae, then
persists in the imago thrips div throughout its life and continues to infect other
plants. As a result, even if there are several infecting thrips in the field, they can
quickly spread the virus throughout the field and destroy a significant portion of
the harvest. The virus-carrying nature of thrips makes them especially
dangerous pests and requires early warning and entomological control
measures against them.
Pest distribution mapping using GIS technologies:
Modern Geographic Information Systems (GIS) serve as a powerful tool for
monitoring and analyzing the distribution of pests in agricultural entomology.
With the help of GIS, it is possible to conduct spatial analysis of data collected
from sites, to accurately map the areas where the pest is distributed, and to
identify risk zones. In the Andijan region, the use of GIS technologies for pest
monitoring in horticulture and vegetable growing has also begun. For example, if
field inspection data is collected together with coordinates through special GPS
devices or mobile applications and entered into ArcGIS or QGIS programs, the
points where the pest was encountered are displayed on the map. With the help
of this approach, it is possible to determine in which districts and farms the
damage was observed in a short period of time, and to create maps of regional
distribution. With the help of such maps, it is possible to visually analyze the
spatial concentration, directions of distribution, and dynamics of tomato pests.
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