First report of Tuta absoluta in Mayotte
In August 2015, the presence of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae – EPPO A2 List) was officially confirmed on the island of Mayotte (FR). The pest was initially found by a grower in a protected crop of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and aubergine (S. melongena). Visual inspections detected the pest in 2 other production sites (outdoor and protected tomato crops). On these 3 sites, more than 50% of the plants were infested by T. absoluta. In the initial phase of the control programme, approximately 5000 plants have been burnt. Later surveys were conducted, using pheromone traps on 26 sites (crops, port, airport, rubbish sites near supermarkets). Results showed that the pest is present across the whole island of Mayotte.
The pest status of Tuta absoluta in Mayotte is officially declared as: Present, widespread.
Sources
NPPO of France (2016-04).