Alerts on Tuta absoluta in Meru County
We have received alerts on the possible
outbreak of the pest in Meru County. The pest has already been identified
in Isiolo county but outbreak has not yet been confirmed in Meru County. There
are sightings of the pest in parts of Meru particularly Mutunyi in Buuri, Kiutine in Igembe Central and
Giaki in Imenti North. A surveillance team has confirmed the invasion in Mutunyi.The pest is also suspected to be in Njuthine area of Mwanganthia ward in Imenti Central.
The pest is extremely destructive (causes 60-100% loss) and has
devastated tomato crop in countries such as Spain, Ethiopia and Yemen. On the
same note we inform all farmers and extension officers to be on the alert and report any incidences of the pest for control
purposes. KARI has been doing monitoring of the same. The pest is also a threat
to other crops such as potato and black nightshade.
Identification of Tuta absoluta
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Management of Tuta absoluta
Detect presence of pest early by use of pheromone traps
Scout for early insect pest damage on older leaves, stems and fruits
Cultural
Avoid rotation with crops from eggplants, Irish potatoes, tomatoes and
capsicum family
Remove and destroy infested tomato plant materials and alternate host
weeds e.g.Datura, managu
Chemical
Observe
P.H.I and spray only using approved insecticides
The following chemicals can be used for controlling Tuta absoluta in tomato
- Coragen 20SC (Chlorantraniliprole 200g/l). PHI 1 day. Spray on the first signs of the pest
- Belt 450 SC (Flubendiamide 480g/l)
- Tracer 480SC (Spinosad 480g/l). Also for thrips and leaf miner in tomatoes
- Radiant 120SC (Spinetoram 120g/l). PHI 3 days
