‎Experts proffer solution to end Tomato scarcity



ABUJA: A group of experts in the plant science industry under the aegis of Croplife Nigeria have advocated an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to ending the Tomato Leaf Miner or Tuta Absoluta, a scourge that has caused low tomato yield across the country.

According to the group, the basis for effective and sustainable control of Tuta Absoluta is the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach involving cultural behavioural, biological and chemical control.

The position of the group was contained in a statement issued by the President of Croplife Nigeria, Dr. Mahmood Rashid and available to Vanguard in Abuja.

The statement also stated that besides the Integrated Pest Management approach, stakeholders in the agricultural industry could apply other steps such as allowing a minimum of six weeks from crop destruction to planting of the next crop to prevent carry-over of the pest from the previous crop, controlling of weeds to prevent multiplication of the pest in alternative weed hosts and usage of pest-free transplants.

Others include "usage of only certified seeds, sealing of green house with high quality nets suitable for Tuta Absoluta, inspection of the crop to detect the first signs of damage and removal and destruction of attacked plants".

The group revealed that Tuta Absoluta can attack any plant part of tomato and at any crop stage and can cause up to 100 percent crop destruction leading to zero yields, stressing that the pest is rapidly crossing borders ravaging tomato fields via infested fruits, seeds and packaging materials

The group expressed confidence that Tuta Absoluta was controlled in other countries of the world and it can also be controlled in Nigeria, with right insecticides that have been scientifically tried, tested and proven.       

"As a component of the IPM approach, when the Economic Injury Level (ETL) is reached, it becomes imperative to employ the chemical (insecticide) control option. Because of the high reproductive capacity and short generation cycle of            

"Tuta Absoluta, is known to have a high risk of developing resistance to insecticides. The following precautionary steps will however suffice. Locally established thresholds must be adhered to before insecticide applications.

"To avoid the development of resistance insecticides MUST be rotated based on mode of action and group and chemical class. Insecticide must be selected based on known local effectiveness and selectivity. Use only registered insecticides for the control of Tuta Absoluta, and always follow the directions for use stated on the labels", the experts added.


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