Helicoverpa spp

Bollworms are a voracious caterpillar that poses a serious threat to a wide range of crops including tomatoes, beans, maize, peppers, and cotton. Moths lay eggs on new foliage and flowers, and the emerging caterpillars burrow into fruit or chew through foliage. In warm South African climates this pest can reproduce rapidly, making it one of the most destructive in home gardens.

By the time fruit damage appears, larvae are already protected inside and sprays become less effective. The most powerful strategy is to combine early monitoring of adult moths with biological sprays. Monitoring with pheromone traps allows you to apply treatments before larvae cause serious harm.

Begin the growing season with pheromone traps for early detection of male moths. When adults are actively flying, apply a biological spray such as Delfin WG (Bt kurstaki) or BioBass (also Bt) to suppress young larvae before they bore into fruit.

• Traps/Monitoring

  • Cutworm, Tomato Bollworm and Tomato Semi Looper : Trap System
    A ready-to-use funnel trap kit with pheromone lure. Deploy at crop height and inspect traps weekly.

  • Funnel Trap : Trap Only
    A reusable yellow funnel trap compatible with various moth pheromone lures. Ideal for broad deployment.

  • Delta Trap : Trap Only
    A lightweight delta trap for use with sticky liners and pheromone lures to monitor bollworm moth activity.

• Biologicals

  • Andermatt – Delfin WG 
    A Bacillus thuringiensis biological insecticide. Targets early instar caterpillars. Mix 0.5–1 g/10 L preventatively or 20–40 g/10 L for active infestations.

  • Soygro BioBass
    A Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) powder formulation effective against young caterpillars including bollworm. Apply 2 mL per 5 L of water, ensure full coverage, and repeat every 10 days under ongoing pressure.

• Organics

  • Biogrow Pyrol
    A certified organic contact spray combining natural pyrethrins and canola oil. Use it at first sign of moth flight; repeat as necessary.