The future of Tuta absoluta control
The tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta), which originates in South America, has spread to most tomato-producing countries, increasing from 3% to 60% global infection in just 10 years.
This pest causes havoc wherever it goes. In Nigeria, for example, it resulted in an 80% crop loss in 2016.
Some farmers, desperate to get under control, have caused additional harm. By spraying harsh chemicals, they have eradicated a host of predators, including the natural enemies of whitefly, another tomato pest. This has resulted in whitefly outbreaks and curly stunt virus, of which whitefly is a vector.
