First report of Tuta absoluta in India
In October 2014, the presence of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae – EPPO A2 List) was detected for the first time in India. The pest was initially found in Pune (Maharashtra) on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants grown under plastic tunnels and in the field. Subsequently, the pest was found in the major tomato-growing districts of Maharashtra (i.e. Ahmadnagar, Dhule, Jalgaon, Nashik, Pune, and Satara). Severe infestations (;50% of plants affected) were observed in several tomato fields. Recent surveys carried out in January 2015 have also detected T. absoluta in the districts of Kolar and Bengaluru in Karnataka.
The situation of Tuta absoluta in India can be described as follows: Present, first found in October 2014, occurring in several districts of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Sources
INTERNET
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Tuta absoluta: a new invasive pest. http://www.icar.org.in/en/node/8600