Workshop on Tuta Absoluta pest incursion and occurrence on La Digue |04 May 2018

Following a report of the re-incursion of the Tomato Leaf Miner (Tuta absoluta) pest this year on La Digue, the National Biosecurity Agency in collaboration with staff from the Seychelles Agricultural Agency, hosted a half-day workshop for farmers at the island’s district administration office.

The workshop primarily focused on the incursion, occurrence and management of Tuta absoluta amongst other types of pests/diseases, as part of the National Biosecurity Agency’s (NBA) emergency response action plan to eradicate Tuta absoluta on La Digue.

Farmers present at the workshop came from various locations on La Digue, including L’Union Estate, Anse Gaulette, La Passe and Roi Bois. The main aim of the workshop was to provide information on the identification and management of various pests currently affecting farmers. These include the Tomato Leaf Miner, Fall Armyworm and Tomato Leaf Curl Virus.

The farmers were very interested in the presentations and asked many questions in order to have a clear idea on how best to manage these pests. They also discussed other aspects of pest and disease management, as well as the concept of Integrated pest management.

The farmers were also concerned regarding any new incursion of pest or disease in the future. In this regard, the NBA advised them to report any suspicious pests and diseases that they are not sure of either to the Seychelles Agricultural Agency (SAA) extension officer or directly to the NBA who will then follow up on the matter.

In 2017, Tuta absoluta (recorded in January 2017) was one amongt the four predominant types of pests/diseases in Seychelles, along with Fruit Flies, Fall Armyworm and the Tomato Leaf Curl Virus. Following an emergency response action plan by the NBA, Tuta absoluta was successfully eradicated in the same year.

It is one of the most serious pests of tomato but it is also known to attack cultivated solanaceous plants such as eggplant, sweet pepper and tobacco. Tuta absoluta causes damage to both leaves and fruit, mainly in tomatoes. Its larvae feed on the mesophyll of leaves, creating tunnels (mines) on the leaves. This reduces the photosynthetic surface of the leaves, resulting in early drying and eventual death of the plant. Later, larvae mine and bore into stalks, apical buds and green / ripe fruits.

Damage caused by the Tuta absoluta pest to leaves and fruit of crops on La Digue

The Tuta absoluta pest can be managed through various agricultural and integrated pest management practices, including:

-           Use of pheromone traps

-           Fitting net houses with insect exclusion nets

-           Cultural measures, e.g. crop rotation with non-solanaceous crops

-           Non-chemical control, e.g. use of Neem oil as an insecticide

-           Chemical control, when necessary

The NBA will continue with its efforts to eradicate Tuta absoluta on La Digue through the emergency response plan which has been implemented. Some of the ongoing activities include monitoring of the population level, mass trapping with pheromone traps, application of insecticides and creation of quarantine areas. These measures will also apply to any new incursion of pests and diseases.

The NBA would like to take this opportunity to remind all stakeholders of the importance of biosecurity and that everyone has a role to play in protecting Seychelles from biosecurity threats. For example, avoid bringing into the country plants or plant products (animals as well) without permits and phytosanitary certificates. The general public is encouraged to contact the NBA in the event that they come across any ‘new’ pest or disease or even ones that they are unsure of.

Photo sources: NBA  

Captions:

Farmers and staff of NBA & SAA at the workshop on La Digue (Photo: NBA)

Damage caused by the Tuta absoluta pest to leaves and fruit of crops on La Digue (Photo: NBA)