First report of Tuta absoluta in Albania
The presence of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae – EPPO A2 List) has now been confirmed in Albania. Samples were collected from tomato fields in August and September 2009 near Romanat (County of Durrës), Levan (County of Fier) and Rrogozhinë (County of Tirana). On the basis of the morphological characteristics of the adults (male genitalia), pupae and larvae, the pest was identified as T. absoluta. It is noted that suspect mines had been observed in 2008, but the identity of the insect could not be ascertained at that time. This is the first report of T. absoluta in Albania.
The situation of Tuta absoluta in Albania can be described as follows: Present, first recorded in 2009, found along the coastal part of the country (Counties of Durrës, Fier and Tirana).
Sources
NPPO of Albania (2009-09).
Personal communication with Dr Ejup Çota, Plant Protection Institute, Durrës (2009-09).