1 - Phytosanitary Resources

6
Control
Tomato Leafminer
Procedures 1
Contents
Introduction 6-1
Overview of Emergency Programs 6-2
Treatment Options 6-2
Eradication 6-3
Cultural Control 6-3
Managing Insecticide Resistance 6-7
Similar Species 6-9
Insecticides 6-9
Fumigation 6-15
Irradiation 6-15
Integrated Pest Management 6-16
Population Monitoring 6-17
Mass-Trapping 6-18
Biological Control 6-21
Mating Disruption 6-24
Environmental Documentation and Monitoring 6-25
Introduction
Use Chapter 6 Control Procedures as a guide to controlling the tomato
leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick). Consider the treatment options described
within this chapter when taking action to eradicate, contain, or suppress the
tomato leafminer.
Because of its biology and behavior, Tuta absoluta is a challenging pest to
control. Tuta absoluta produces several broods each year. After emergence,
larvae can either tie together leaves or young shoots to create a shelter from
which to feed (Pastrana, 1967), or immediately penetrate the young fruit,
leaves, buds, or stems where they feed and develop.
Pupation occurs inside galleries, in dried plant material, or in soil. Effective
chemical control is difficult because Tuta absoluta feeds internally. Its ability
to produce many offspring also facilitates the development of pesticide
6/2011 Tomato Leafminer 6-1
Emergency and Domestic Programs