First detection of Tuta absoluta in South Africa

Publication Date

Thu, 01 Sep 2016, 09:29

Last Updated

Dec. 1, 2021, 9:13 a.m.

Report Number

ZAF-31/1

Country

South Africa

Pest Id

Tuta absoluta - (GNORAB)

Report Status

Preliminary

Hosts

Host plants such as Solanum lycopersicum (Tomatoes), Solanum melongena (Eggplant) and Solanum tuberosum (Potato), may be affected if Tuta absoluta should establish in the areas where it was detected.

Pest Status (old values from ISPM 8 -1998 )

• Unknown

Geographical Distribution

Several Lepidoptera specimens were detected in yellow delta traps baited with a male sex pheromone. Tuta absoluta was positively identified by a taxonomist from five traps placed on the eastern border of the Mpumalanga province with Mozambique. No crop or other host damage was reported.

Summary

Traps were set alongside the border with Mozambique in the Mpumalanga province. Tuta absoluta was detected in five of those traps.

Danger

Mainly tomato production in the areas where the pest found.

Contact for info

Ms Muneiwa Ratshilingano Private bag x14 Gezina 0031 South Africa Email: [email protected]

Report files

Tuta absoluta (Tomato leafminer)

Website

Issue keywords

Detection survey Pest

Commodity keywords

Potatoes, fresh or chilled Tomatoes, fresh or chilled