This study assessed the insect pest infestation of tomato during 2011 and 2012 in three
localities namely Bula Kuliye, Kajeri and Soye of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State,
Nigeria. Fifty plants were randomly checked per farmers’ field for insect pest recovery and count.
Sampling was carried out in five to nine farmers’ fields per locality. With 38-52 %, 9-62 %, 13-39 %
and 5-9 % species composition respectively across localities, Helicoverpa armigera Hubner
(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) followed by Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) were
more predominant insect pests of tomato in these localities over Tetranychus sp. (Acari:
Tetranichidae) and Spodoptera litoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Total proportion of
infested tomato plants per farmers’ field ranged from 19-36 %, and was significantly higher in Bula
Kuliye and Kajeri than in Soye. Total number of insect pests per plant/leave and bored fruits per
farmers’ field fell between 2-5 and 21-35, and likewise, was higher in Bula Kuliye and Kajeri than in
Soye. Although tomato plant infestation and fruit damage were found to be moderate or high in these
localities, future studies on the bionomics or population dynamics of these insects remain essential for
establishing their economic status