Evaluating the Effectiveness of Marigold as a Trap Crop for Aphid Management in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Cultivation)

The study investigated the use of marigold (Tagetes spp.) as a trap crop for managing aphids in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production in Maposa, Luanshya District. Using an RCBD with four treatments and three replications, aphid population, damage incidence, and yield were monitored over 12 weeks. Results showed that aphid numbers were highest in the control and lowest in the two-marigolds-per-plant treatment, which also recorded less than 10% damage and the highest yield of 33.2 fruits per plant. In contrast, the control had over 70% damage and only 15.4 fruits per plant. Overall, marigold especially at high planting density proved effective for reducing aphid infestation and increasing tomato yield. The study recommends its inclusion in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for smallholder farmers in Zambia.