First report of Tuta absoluta in France
The NPPO of France recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae – EPPO A1 List) on tomato crops (Lycopersicon esculentum) in two regions: Corse (near Ajaccio and Propriano) and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (Var and Bouches-du-Rhône). T. absoluta was identified in October 2008 in Corse and in November/December 2008 in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Surveys were initiated immediately to determine the extent of the infestation and eventually trace back its origin. Heavily infested tomato crops in both regions were destroyed. The preliminary results of the survey suggested that the pest had been present in Corse for some time.
The situation of Tuta absoluta in France can be described as follows: Present, first detected in 2008 in tomato crops in Corse (Corse-du-Sud) and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (Var and Bouches-du-Rhône), under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of France, 2009-01.
FREDON Corse. La mineuse de la tomate. Tuta absoluta. http://www.fredon-corse.com/ravageurs/Tuta_absoluta.htm