Tuta absoluta

(Tomato leaf miner)

• Agent causal

The adult is the smallest of these 3 moth species with a wingspan of 8-10 mm and a greyish body colour (photo 1). Tomato is the preferred host but potato can be infested. This moth has high reproductive potential and strong dissemination capacity. Larval stages feed only on mesophyll tissues, leaving the epidermis intact and making typical leaf symptoms (photo 2).

• Significance

It is a very damaging tomato pest but could become a threatening potato pest as well.