Studies on the flue-cured tobacco losses caused by the natural tomato hornworm, Manduca quinquemaculata (Haworth), were conducted in the field at Delhi, Ont., during 1973, 1974, and 1975. The feeding habits of the larval stage were observed and data on the subsequent damage to tobacco were recorded Two to six leaves per plant, depending on leaf size, were unmarketable due to damage caused by one hornworm larva. The most severe damage by the larva was due to destruction of terminal buds.

The tobacco yield was significantly related, negatively, to the tomato hornworm infestation levels. All infestation levels influenced quantitative tobacco losses, but no qualitative differences were apparent when compared with the yield in the insect-free plots. Maximum yield losses occurred at the highest level of infestation. There were no significant differences in yield losses per larva among the infestation levels or among the years. The average yield reduction per larva for all of the population densities and years was 0.70 oz of cured leaves. A prediction equation to establish the relationship between hornworm infestation levels and tobacco yield losses was calculated. A theoretical economic-injury level for the tomato hornworm on tobacco in Ontario was established.