1 - Phytosanitary Resources

8
Pathways
Tomato Leafminer
1
Contents
Introduction 8-1
Overview 8-1
Geographical Distribution 8-2
Commodity Imports 8-4
Tomatoes 8-4
Import Destinations 8-12
Establishment and Spread 8-16
Introduction
Use Chapter 8 Pathways as a source of information on the pathways of
introduction of the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), in the United
States.
Overview
The potential entry and establishment of Tuta absoluta poses a serious threat to
United States agriculture. Several fruits and vegetables as well as ornamental
plants in the United States are at risk. This chapter discusses plausible
pathways for entry of T. absoluta based on its current distribution and on
import data for host commodities from infested countries. Pathways for spread
within the United States are discussed in light of recent outbreaks in Europe.
Without new restrictions, the likelihood of entry of T. absoluta on imported
host material from infested countries is high. As such, the
USDA–APHIS–PPQ issued Federal Orders in February, May, and December
of 2009, April 2010, and March and May of 2011, placing restrictions on
admissible tomato fruit from countries where T. absoluta is present, and
prohibiting the entry of plants for planting belonging to the genera Solanum,
Datura, and Nicotiana (USDA, 2011).
6/2011 Tomato Leafminer 8-1
Emergency and Domestic Programs