Tuta absoluta
Tuta absoluta
Tuta absoluta
Pathogen:
Insect
Type:
Risk to the plant:
CRITICAL
DESCRIPTION
WHO CAUSES IT?
Tuta ABSOLUTA, commonly known as tomato moth, is a small moth native to South America that has managed to spread globally, seriously affecting horticultural crops. Its body is elongated, with gray and mottled wings, and a wingspan that does not exceed 10 mm. Adult females deposit eggs singly or in groups on leaves, stems and fruits. Larvae emerge from these eggs and quickly enter the plant tissues, where they remain for most of their development. These larvae go through four stages before pupating, making galleries inside the plant. Pupation can occur inside the plant or in the soil, protected by a cocoon. In warm conditions, the cycle is completed in just over three weeks, allowing for multiple generations per year. This high reproductive rate, together with its ability to develop hidden within the plant tissue, makes its control difficult and favors its rapid expansion.
SYMPTOMS
In Plants, Tuta ABSOLUTA causes a devastating disease, especially in tomato crops, although it also affects other solanaceous plants. The larvae pierce leaves, stems and fruits, compromising the physiology of the plant and drastically reducing yield. Internal larval damage prevents early detection, allowing the pathogen to multiply before being noticed. The commercial loss is not only due to direct damage, but also to the decrease in fruit quality and greater vulnerability to secondary infections.
- Sinuous galleries in leaves and stems
- Premature leaf drop due to internal damage
- Visible perforations in fruits with dark excrements
- Localized necrosis in the affected areas
- Dead or deformed terminal shoots
- Presence of whitish larvae inside the fruit or on leaves
- Significant reduction in commercial production
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
20 °C – 30 °C
30 % – 70 %
HOW IS IT SPREAD?
Infested plants, Contaminated plant material, Wind, Movement of people, Agricultural tools, Transport of products, Neighboring crops
HOW TO REMOVE IT?
Home remedies
There are no home treatments
Chemical treatments
• AZADIRACTIN 1% (AS AZADIRACTIN A) [EC] P/V
• Azadirachtin 2.6% (AS AZADIRACTIN A) [EC] P/V
• CYPERMETHRIN 5% [EC] P/V
• DELTAMETHRIN 1.57% [SC] P/V
• EMAMECTIN 0.855% [SG] P/P
• PYRETHRINS 5% [SC] P/V
• POTASSIUM SALTS OF FATTY ACIDS C14-C20 48% [EW] P/V
• POTASSIUM SALTS OF VEGETABLE FATTY ACIDS 13.04% [SL] P/V
• SPINETORAM 2.5% [SC] P/V
Treatments allowed in organic farming
• AZADIRACTIN 1% (AS AZADIRACTIN A) [EC] W/V
• Azadirachtin 2.6% (AS AZADIRACTIN A) [EC] W/V
• PYRETHRINS 5% [SC] W/V
• POTASSIUM SALTS OF C14-C20 FATTY ACIDS 48% [EW] W/V
• POTASSIUM SALTS OF VEGETABLE FATTY ACIDS 13.04% [SL] W/V
Insect allies
PREDATORY MITES
LADYBUGS
LACEWINGS
PARASITIC WASPS
HOVERFLIES OR PARASITIC FLIES
PREDATORY BUGS
There are no natural allies
Mycodiplosis oidii (predatory mosquito)
EFFECTIVE PRODUCTS TO ELIMINATE THIS DISEASE
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- Implement pheromone traps to monitor and reduce the adult population.
- Use anti-insect meshes in greenhouses to prevent the entry of adults.
- Carry out a thorough review of the plant material before introducing it to new plots or greenhouses.
- Eliminate crop remains and weeds that may serve as a refuge or source of reinfestation.
- Apply biological treatments with parasitoids or natural predators such as Trichogramma or Nesidiocoris.
- Promote biodiversity in crops to increase the presence of natural enemies.
- Use plant extracts with repellent or insecticidal action, such as neem, alternately.
- Rotate active ingredients in chemical treatments to avoid the selection of resistant individuals.
- Carry out localized treatments in infestation sources, avoiding general sprays.
- Control the temperature and humidity in the greenhouses to hinder the rapid proliferation of the pest.
Recommendations
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