Tuta absoluta, a South American pest of tomato now in the EPPO region: biology, distribution and damage

Abstract

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is an invasive pest of tomato native to South America, where it is responsible for extensive damage. It rapidly spread into several European countries, becoming a key pest. Knowledge of its main biological traits can be used to develop effective plant protection management strategies. It is a multivoltine species with a homodynamous behaviour, and the length of its life cycle depends on environmental conditions, particularly temperature. The larvae feed and develop inside tomato leaves, stems and fruits throughout the entire growing cycle. The adults have crepuscular habits, and in Mediterranean conditions they can be easily detected throughout the year. Damage is directly related to the reduction of plants' photosynthetic capacity and of production levels in both protected and open‐field tomato crops; indirect damage can be also caused by secondary infections, with pathogens developing on the infested plant and fruit tissues.

Endophytic colonisation of tomato by the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana: the use of different inoculation techniques and their effects on the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

“…Since the time of its initial detection, it has caused serious damage to tomato crops in invaded areas and it is currently considered a major agricultural threat to European and North African tomato production (Abd El-Ghany et al 2016). Although its main host is tomato, it also affects other Solanaceae, whether cultivated or not (Tropea Garzia et al 2012). The control of T. absoluta is difficult due to its miner habit, short life cycle, and high reproductive capacity.…”

Could alternative solanaceous hosts act as refuges for the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta?

“…Larvae feed on the mesophyll of all aerial parts of the plants, as well as on the fruits, resulting in significant yield losses, cosmetic damages, and rot diseases to fresh market tomatoes. During the last decade, the pest has spread worldwide and is now a serious threat to commercial tomato production in South and Central America as well as in Europe (Desneux et al 2010(Desneux et al , 2011Tropea Garzia et al 2012). Since its introduction in Europe in 2006, the moth is reported on the EPPO A2 list of species recommended for regulation as quarantine pests (EPPO/OEPP 2014).…”

“…Although causing large injuries on tomatoes, T. absoluta is considered as a polyphagous leafminer that can also develop on alternative hosts such as cultivated Solanaceae including eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), sweet pepino (Solanum muricatum L.), potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) (Desneux et al 2010(Desneux et al , 2011. Wild plant species have also been cited to be potential hosts for the development of the pest, such as deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna L.), Jimson weed (Datura stramonium L.), and black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) (Desneux et al 2010(Desneux et al , 2011Tropea Garzia et al 2012), that can be found indifferently in croplands, wastelands, logging, and urban areas (Lambinon et al 2004). In this context, host plant species in the wild could provide reservoirs or refuges for T. absoluta.…”

The tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) attack in Nigeria: effect of climate change on over-sighted pest or agro-bioterrorism?

“…T. absoluta shows preference for new buds, flowers and new fruits thereby making it easy to detect on affected plants. The characteristic mines on plant leaves are also an indicator of attack in addition to appearance of black frass on fruits where infestation is severe (Tropea et al, 2012).…”