1 - Phytosanitary Resources

Survey Procedures
Traceback and Trace-Forward Surveys
Traceback and trace-forward investigations help surveyors to set priorities for
delimiting survey activities after an initial detection. Use traceback
investigations to determine the source of an infestation. Use trace-forward
investigations to determine the potential dissemination of the pest, through
means of natural and artificial spread (commercial or private distribution of
infested plant material). Once a positive detection is confirmed, conduct
investigations in order to determine the extent of the infestation or suspect
areas in which to conduct further investigations.
Procedure
If this pest is found attacking nursery stock, surveyors should compile a list of
facilities associated with nursery stock infested with Tuta absoluta. The lists
will be distributed by the State to the field offices, and are not to be shared
with individuals outside USDA–APHIS–PPQ and State regulatory
cooperators. Grower names and field locations on the lists are strictly
confidential, and any distribution of lists beyond appropriate regulatory agency
contacts is prohibited.
Each State is only authorized to see locations within their State and sharing of
confidential business information may be restricted between State and Federal
entities. Check the privacy laws with the State Plant Health Director for the
State.
When notifying growers on the list, be sure to identify yourself as a USDA or
State regulatory official conducting an investigation of facilities that may have
received material infested with Tuta absoluta. Speak to the growers or farm
managers and obtain proper permission before entering private property. If any
sales or distribution has occurred from an infested nursery during the previous
six months, surveyors should check nursery records to obtain names and
addresses for all sales or distribution sites.
Monitoring Survey
Perform a monitoring survey to determine the success of control or mitigation
activities conducted against a pest.
Procedure
At the time of publication, a defined method was unavailable.
4-4 Tomato Leafminer 6/2011
Emergency and Domestic Programs