Tomato leafminer spreading across Europe

Tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta) has been rapidly spreading across southern Europe and the Mediterranean region, causing extensive damage to tomato plants. Infestation by has resulted in tomato losses of 50-100%. Yield and fruit quality are both significantly impacted by direct feeding of the leafminer, as well as secondary pathogens entering host plants through wounds caused by feeding. Larvae penetrate the fruit, leaves or stems of host plants, creating conspicuous mines and galleries and also allowing for invasion by secondary pathogens which may lead to fruit rot. Tomato plants may be attacked at any developmental stage. Infestation by the leafminer is easily detected on aerial buds, flowers or new fruits. Chemical control is the main method of control for T. absoluta, but effective control is difficult to achieve because the larvae feed internally and develop resistance quickly. It has also been detected on bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris) potato, pepino and other solanaceous plants. Native to Central and S. America, the leafminer was originally detected in Spain in 2006. It has also been found in Algeria, France, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.