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 T. absoluta 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.
HOME-GROWN SUCCESS
This story is from the April 30, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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This story is from the April 30, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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