First report of Tuta absoluta in Hungary
The NPPO of Hungary recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae – EPPO A2 List) on its territory. At the beginning of February 2010, a grower located at Kiskunfélegyháza informed the regional PPO of the Bács-Kiskun county about conspicuous damage observed on tomato leaves. The infestation was observed in a plastic tunnel of 1 ha on tomatoes grown for fruit production. The identity of the pest was confirmed by the NPPO laboratory. The source of this infestation is unknown. Young plants used to establish this crop had been purchased from Hungary. It is thought that the likely source of infestation could be recycled packaging material (boxes) coming from infested countries. A chemical treatment was applied on the infested crop. Tomato growers and traders will be informed about this outbreak and the risks presented by T. absoluta. A survey with pheromone traps will be conducted to determine the extent of the infestation.
The pest status of Tuta absoluta in Hungary is officially declared as: Transient, in protected conditions, found in the middle of Hungary, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Hungary, 2010-03.