1 - Phytosanitary Resources

Survey Procedures
Visual Inspection of Packing Materials
Inspect packing materials for the presence of Tuta absoluta.
Procedure
At the time of publication, a defined method was unavailable.
Visual Inspection in Tomato Fields
Within-plant distribution studies for Tuta absoluta in fresh and processing
tomatoes found that most plant damage is concentrated in the apical and
medial parts of the plants (Botto et al., 1995; Lietti et al., 2005; Torres et al.,
2001). Data suggest that visual inspection of plants should focus in these areas.
Similar Pest Species
Eggs, larvae, and mines, of Tuta absoluta can be confused with those of other
pests such as Keiferia lycopersicella, the ecological equivalent of T. absoluta
in the United States. In some cases, especially early in an infestation, leaf
mines of T. absoluta can also be mistaken for those caused by leafminers in the
family Agromyzidae (Diptera); however, the latter do not leave solid
excrement in the mines. Before initiating a survey, become familiar with other
pests in the area.
Guidelines for Keiferia lycopersicella Adapted for Tuta absoluta
Management guidelines for the tomato pinworm, Keiferia lycopersicella in
California, suggest that surveyors should use the following technique for Tuta
absoluta in tomato fields:
1. As soon as tomato seedlings are established, select several random
locations throughout the field.
2. At each location, select random 6-foot length of planted row.
3. Examine all foliage in the 6-foot length of row for mines and folded leaf
shelters at each location.
4-6 Tomato Leafminer 6/2011
Emergency and Domestic Programs