EPPO Global Database

EPPO Reporting Service no. 10 - 2016 Num. article: 2016/185

First report of Tuta absoluta in South Africa


In South Africa, Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae – EPPO A2 List) was reported for the first time in August 2016. The first specimens were caught in 5 pheromone traps placed on the eastern border of the Mpumalanga province with Mozambique. No damage has been reported on tomato crops or any other host plant.
The situation of Tuta absoluta in South Africa can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2016 in Mpumalanga province.


Sources

IPPC website. Official Pest Reports – South Africa (ZAF-31/1 of 2016-09-01) First detection of Tuta absoluta in South Africa. https://www.ippc.int/en/countries/south-africa/pestreports/2016/09/first-detection-of-tuta-absoluta-in-south-africa/