Sustainable Plant Protection Practices for Tomato Production
Farmers, advisors, researchers and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to explore practical and environmentally friendly solutions for managing tomato leafminer during the Eco-Friendly Solutions for Managing Tomato Leafminer training and demonstration event.
Taking place on 17 July 2026 at Stoyko Dimitrov’s farm in Ivaylo village, Pazardzhik municipality, Bulgaria, the event focuses on knowledge exchange between farmers, advisors and researchers. The programme highlights sustainable plant protection practices that can be easily adopted in vegetable production while supporting greater use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches.
Tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta) is one of the most important pests affecting tomato production in Bulgaria. Through presentations, field demonstrations and interactive discussions, participants will gain first-hand experience of practical strategies for monitoring and managing this pest using environmentally responsible methods.
Demonstrating Eco-Friendly Solutions for Managing Tomato Leafminer
A key focus of the event is a novel approach that combines preventive plant care with biological pest control. Participants will observe the application of a natural spray solution prepared from raw milk, baking soda, aspirin and baker’s yeast, designed to support plant health and resilience.
The demonstration will also showcase pheromone traps used for monitoring pest populations as part of an Integrated Pest Management strategy. In addition, attendees will learn about the role of biological control agents, including the predatory bugs Macrolophus caliginosus and Nesidiocoris tenuis, in reducing the impact of Tuta absoluta in tomato crops.
Knowledge Exchange and Practical Learning
The event is designed to encourage collaboration and peer-to-peer learning among farmers, vegetable producers, agricultural advisors, researchers, extension specialists, students and representatives of agricultural organisations.
By combining expert presentations with field-based demonstrations, participants will have the opportunity to exchange experiences, discuss practical challenges and explore sustainable crop protection solutions that help reduce pesticide use and environmental impact.
Event Information
Date: 17 July 2026 (Friday)
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Stoyko Dimitrov’s farm, Ivaylo village, Pazardzhik municipality, Bulgaria
Expected Outcomes
Participants will strengthen their understanding of Integrated Pest Management and sustainable pest control solutions for tomato production. They will gain practical knowledge on monitoring and managing Tuta absoluta through biological control agents, pheromone traps and ecological spray solutions.
The event will also promote stronger collaboration between farmers, advisors and researchers, supporting the wider adoption of innovative practices that contribute to more sustainable vegetable production and reduced environmental impact.
