Tuta Absoluta [Tomato Leaf Miner]

Tuta absoluta, commonly known as the Tomato Leaf Miner, is a significant pest that affects tomato crops. Here are some key points about it:

Origin: Native to South America, it has spread to Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Life Cycle: It goes through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The entire life cycle can take between 26 to 75 days.

Damage: The larvae feed on tomato leaves, stems, and fruits, creating large galleries and causing up to 100% yield loss if not controlled.

Control Methods: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, including pheromone traps, biological control agents, and chemical treatments, are used to manage this pest.