1 - Phytosanitary Resources

Pest Information
Larvae of Tuta absoluta attack leaves, buds, stems, flowers, calyces, and
tomato fruit. In Brazil, Benvenga et al. (2007) found a good correlation
between increases in pheromone trap captures and positively infested plants,
and decreases in open field tomato production by the end of the season
(expressed as marketable boxes of fruit per 1,000 plants). However, in
greenhouse-grown tomatoes in Argentina, pheromone traps were useful only
for early detection of the pest. Adult males were trapped almost 10 days before
the first eggs were found on the plants, and trap captures were not useful in
predicting damage levels (Riquelme, 2009).
Tuta absoluta is multivoltine. Robredo-Junco et al. (2008) determined that
based on mean temperatures in Ibiza, Spain, Tuta absoluta can complete 9 to
10 generations per year in field tomatoes and 12 generations per year in
greenhouse tomatoes. Both yield and fruit quality can be significantly reduced
by direct feeding by the larvae, and subsequently by secondary pathogens
entering the mines and causing fruit rot. Severely attacked tomato fruits lose
their commercial value. The tomato leafminer caused up to 100 percent losses
in tomato crops planted during the winter in the Province of Valencia (EPPO,
2008a). Damage to terminal buds in greenhouse-grown hybrid tomato plants in
Argentina negatively affects plant architecture and results in reduced plant
growth and decreased fruit yield (Botto, 2011b).
Tuta absoluta feeds on potato leaves (EPPO, 2005), including those from
Bacillus thuringiensis-transgenic plants (del Vas et al., 1992), but recent
(Russell IPM, 2009b; Maiche, 2009) and historical references report that
larvae also attack potato tubers (Pastrana, 1967). In Italy, eggplant was
reported to be the second-preferred host of T. absoluta after tomato; however,
it is unclear if the species attacks only the leaves or if it attacks eggplant fruit.
It has been reported on protected tomato and eggplant crops in a number of
regions in Italy (Ministero delle Politiche Agricole Alimentari e Forestali,
2009).
Tuta absoluta was also reported on greenhouse peppers and beans in Sicily,
Italy (EPPO, 2009i; Ministero delle Politiche Agricole Alimentari e Forestali,
2009) however, there was no mention of the plant parts affected. Also in Italy,
Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana), is reported as a host of T. absoluta,
however, it is not clear from the report which plant part is affected (Garzia,
2009b).
6/2011 Tomato Leafminer 2-15
Emergency and Domestic Programs